John Wallace Brenner
Coach Brenner went to meet his family in Heaven late Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 at Hillcrest Manor in Blackwell. A graveside ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 at the Blackwell Cemetery. Those wishing to offer condolences may come by Trout Funeral Home of Blackwell on Sunday, Sept. 23, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Honorary casket bearers will be former BHS Wrestlers. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home of Blackwell.
John Wallace Brenner was born Aug. 13, 1942 in Blackwell to Thelma Grace Clampitt Brenner and Dale A. Brenner. He was a preemie weighing in at 2 lbs. 14 oz. John had Cerebral Palsy but never let that define him. He attended Blackwell Schools, graduating from BHS in 1960. While he was in school, he attended Boys State, and was President of his Senior Class. He was the manager for the wrestling, football, and baseball teams from 1954-1960. After graduation he attended NOC and then went onto Central State College in Edmond, earning a BA in Education in 1965 and a Masters of Teaching in Guidance in 1968. His first teaching and wrestling coach job was in Canyon City, Colo., building a winning record of 28-2. He taught and coached in Blackwell from 1970-1973 with a record of 29-1. John also had an undefeated Cushing, OK team in 1978-79 of 10-0.
John was honored to speak at the Homecoming Assembly in 2003. He was inducted into the Oklahoma National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Dec. of 2003, and Dec. 14, 2003 was declared “John Brenner Day” by the Blackwell City Commission. He was greatly influenced by coaches Thurman Garrett, Tom Chesbro, Dan Bringham, Charles Hetrick, and Bob Lyons throughout his coaching years.
John has belonged to the Blackwell Wrestling Club, CSU Alumni Association, Lion’s Club, and was a lifetime member of the BPO Elks and Odd Fellows. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
He was an avid sports fan, especially of BHS, OSU, and the Thunder. Even though the past few years he couldn’t see or hear well, he had headphones hooked up to his TV which sat right beside him so he could somewhat keep up with all of the games.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brother, Clark, and a niece, Carla Busse.
John is survived by a cousin, Billie DeBoard, a niece, Valerie Brenner Alvarez, and a nephew, Kevin Brenner.
Memorial donations may be made to the Blackwell Wrestling Club.
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