Longtime Lemoore High School teacher, coach J.T. Reasoner passes

J. T. Reasoner and his twin brother, J. W. (deceased) were born on March 31, 1930, in Floydada, Texas. After graduating from Burkburnett High School, he attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas and played football on a scholarship. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, completing his service in 1955. While stationed in Long Beach, California he met Claudine Harnar and later married (1955) and became a father to her two daughters Kathleen (6) and Karen (3). J.T. moved his young family back to his home town of Burkburnett, Texas to finish his degree from Midwestern University in Physical Education, with a minor in History. While attending school and during the summer, J.T. worked in the oil fields, at the local grain elevator, and was a janitor at the local doctor's office and the Methodist Church where they were members. J. T. and Claudine gave birth to their son, John in 1957, soon after beginning his teaching and football, boys’ and girls’ basketball coaching career at his Alma Mater, Burkburnett High School.

In 1965, J.T. and Claudine moved to Claudine's home town of Lemoore, Ca where he continued to teach History and Mathematics and to coach both boys’ and girls’ sports for the next 32 years. Throughout his career he was known by his beloved student athletes and the community as Coach Reasoner, “Booger Bear,” and “Boogie.” Locally famous for his rally call, “Stick,” and his mischievous grin, he coached many sports at Lemoore High School, from football to golf, basketball, track, winning numerous championships for the fighting Tigers. He taught history, mathematics and physical education as well.

After the death of his first wife of 42 years in 1997, J.T. retired from Lemoore High School and was reunited with his former girlfriend from Midwestern University, Leela Hunter from Long Beach, Ca. They married in April of 1998. J. T.'s family grew to include Leela's three children, two grandchildren, and in 2016 another great grandchild.

In his twilight years, J.T. enjoyed traveling with Leela, barbequing in his backyard with his family, and tending his lush garden where all flowers were called “Petunias”. Another favorite pastime was watching the Dallas Cowboys during practice football season on the television. Watch out NFL, Dallas Cowboys now has a rooting fan in higher places!

J. T. Reasoner will be laid to rest alongside his first wife in the Lemoore Cemetery in a private ceremony. Survivors include his wife Leela H. Reasoner (Long Beach, Ca) and his brother Bill Reasoner (Wichita Falls, TX). Others include his daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Dave Oliveira, daughter Karen Reasoner, son John Reasoner, grandson David Oliveira and his daughter Toni (great granddaughter), and granddaughter Kristine Oliveira; Leela's children Cindy Hunter, Brad Hunter, Laurie Davis, Katie Davis and her daughter Audrey, and Kara Davis.

Graveside services were held on July 26, 2017, at 9 a.m. at the Lemoore District Cemetery with a Memorial gathering at the Hanford Methodist Church Hall, 14013 Hanford Armona Rd, (corner of 14th and Hanford Armona Road) Armona, CA. Donations in memory of “Coach Booger Bear” J.T. Reasoner may be made to the Lemoore High School Foundation, Phone No. 559-924-6610.