BARTLESVILLE, Okla. -- John E. Ewbank, 73, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at his home in Bartlesville, Okla.

He was born Jan. 28, 1936, in Coffeyville to John Edward and Madeline Marie (Madden) Ewbank. His early schooling was at Holy Name Catholic School, and he graduated from Field Kindley High School at Coffeyville in 1954. He received a bachelor of science degree in 1958 and a master of science in 1967 from Pittsburg State College in Pittsburg. Later he earned his education specialist in administration from Pittsburg State University and did additional graduate work at the University of Wyoming. He served in the U.S. Army.

Ewbank was a teacher and administrator for 33 years, retiring in 1993 after serving as principal of Guthridge Elementary School in Parsons.

While in Parsons, John served the community in a number of professional and civic activities.

He married Nancy Von Moss on June 22, 1977, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. She survives.

Other survivors include his mother, Madeline Pinckney of Bartlesville; and a sister, Carol S. Eklund of Bartlesville.

His father preceded him in death in 1950.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John Catholic Church in Bartlesville. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at Walker-Brown Funeral Home in Bartlesville. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Coffeyville.

Memorials have been established with St. John Catholic School, Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch and the Parsons Educational Foundation.