Dr. Jack L. Gregston

Dr. Jack L. Gregston, 96, of Marlow, OK, passed away peacefully in his home with family at his side on the morning of Sunday, December 17th. He was born April 8th, 1921, in a small town called Oil City to the late Elsie (Lamb) & Roy Lee Gregston.

In his youth, his family moved to Marlow where his father became the local shoe repairman. While attending school at, Jack simultaneously worked at the school, at State National Bank, and as a janitor as he realized and pursued his dream at an early age of becoming a physician in order to help others. After graduating from Marlow in 1931, he attended medical school at The University of Oklahoma graduating in 1945. He had enlisted in the Navy in January of 1943 and spent his internship in Corpus Christi, Naval Hospital as Lieutenant. He was released from the Navy in 1947 and continued to practice medicine for 3 years in Marlow between his stints in the Navy and the Army. After the Korean War, where he spent 10 months at the 38th Parallel Medical Society - 45th Division M*A*S*H unit, as Battalion Commander and General Medical/Clearing Officer for the wounded (where he proudly boasted, he never lost a patient), then was released as a Major. AT that time he returned to Marlow, moving to Duncan in 1962, and lived then until 1993 when he moved to Marlow and resided for the remainder of his life.

He touched many lives and healed many people during his lifetime passion of serving others. His medical practice and experience spanned an impressive number of facilities, with overlapping terms, throughout the years, as follows: US Navy Hospital, Norman, OK (1946-1947); Private Family Practice, Marlow, OK (1948-1959); Talley Walker Hospital, Marlow, OK (1948-1950 & 1957-1959); Weedn Hospital, Duncan, OK (1950-1960); Founded and ran Gregston Hospital, Marlow, OK (1954-1957), which became Gregston Nursing Home in 1957; Lindley Hospital, Duncan, OK (1959-1980); Private Family Practice, Duncan, OK (1959-1993); Duncan Regional Hospital, Duncan, OK (1988-1992); Indian Hospital, Lawton, OK (1992-1999); Carl Albert Indian Hospital, Ada, OK (1992-1999); Wackenhut Prison Physician, Lawton, OK (2001-2011).

In addition, Jack held many leadership roles beginning at a young age as an Eagle Scout and was a devoted philanthropist and generous charitable giver. He served in many capacities including serving on the Board of the Southern Baptist Convention Radio and Television Commission for 10 years, Lifetime Member of Oklahoma State Medical Association, Lifetime Member of American Academy of Family Physicians, Member of Oklahoma State Board of Nursing Home Administrators, American Red Cross Instructor, Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1192, Lifetime Member of American Medical Association, Served on OBU Board of Trustees, a previous Deacon at First Baptist Church in Duncan, a member of the First Baptist Church of Marlow and Transitions Co-Ed Sunday School class, a Member of Marlow Lions Club - holding various offices including President, OU Lifetime Alumni Association Member, Member of the Sooner Club & Sooner Touchdown Club, and Member of the OU Foundation. In addition, Jack has enjoyed stamp collecting, bowling, golf, playing bridge, loved to travel, and was often found working crossword puzzles (in ink pen).

Jack is survived by his wife Sheila Gregston of 35 years whom he married in Walters, OK in 1982; his seven children, Josh Gregston, David and Richia Gregston, Jeff and Stephanie Gregston, Carla Gregston-Akers, Jerry and Tana Gregston, Lynn and Susan Gregston, Leon and Cindy Gregston and, his grandchildren, Jillian Gregston, Jerica Gregston, Eric and Treena Akers, Chad and Jennifer Akers, Jay and Jill Gregston, Jana and Darren Bridges, Jack and Jeanne Gregston, Jennifer and Jason Determan, Casey and Cameron Etheridge, Davy and Renea Gregston, Marti and Aaron Tidwell, Chris and Misti Gregston as well as his previous spouse, Jo Jean Gregston, and numerous extended family including 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Additionally sister-in-law Shelley and Todd Clark, and dear friends Dr. Ed Carnes and Vicki Lovett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie and Roy Lee Gregston; his siblings, Avery Gregston, Leon Gregston, Oretha Gregston-Gordon, Marshall Gregston, J.W. Gregston and Gene Gregston; as well as one child, James Lester, who died in infancy.

A family visitation will be held at the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 19th from 5 to 7 p.m., with graveside services being conducted on Wednesday, December 20th at 10 a.m. in the Marlow Cemetery with Dr. Joe Ligon officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the First Baptist Church of Marlow.

Online condolences may be made to www.CallawaySmithCobb.com