John George Kleese

John George Kleese, 83, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. He was born to Clifton and Beatrice Kleese on August 29, 1942, in Buffalo, New York. He served in the United States Army for 20 years. During that time, he completed two tours in Vietnam. He also was a member of the Free Masons for over 25 years and was a 32nd degree Free Mason.

Not only did John love guitar, but he was also a master guitarist. He tuned guitars for two major Country Western singers, Faron Young and Waylon Jennings. He played for Faron Young while in Germany.

John’s father used to call his twin brother Frank Apache and him Geronimo because they were wild Indians growing up.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Robbie Kleese and his parents Clifton and Beatrice (VanSickle) Kleese.

He is survived by his cherished pet Brandy, his brother Frank Kleese, sons Mark Kleese and Eric Abercrombie, and grandson Stephen Kleese.