NORMAN — Jonathan Paul Racy, 42, of Norman, departed this life Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. He was born in Parkersburg, W.V., on Nov. 11 and was raised in Little Hocking, Ohio.
Services celebrating Jon’s life will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Primrose chapel, with Rev. Dianne Peters officiating.
Jon attended Little Hocking Elementary School in Little Hocking, Ohio, and Warren High School in Vincent, Ohio. He had fond memories of his school days and the teachers who encouraged his interest in meteorology. Jon was a Methodist, having joined Little Hocking United Methodist Church at age 12. Jonathan went on to attend Penn State and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology. After working for the NWS in Fort Wayne, Ind., and LaCrosse, Wis., he was hired at the SPC in Norman. When he died, he was a lead forecaster at the Storm Center in Norman. Some may also remember him as DJ Ocotillo, which was his hobby.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clell and Louise Racy and Russell and Eva Post; and an aunt, Rhonda Racy Zerkle.
Jon is survived by his parents, Wayne and Nancy Racy; his sister, Lara Burkhardt; nephew, Zachary Burkhardt; two nieces, Caroline Burkhardt and Emily West; three aunts, Charolette Jarvis (Gaynol), Rebecca Calhoun (William) and Carolyn Wachtel (Stephen); and cousins Stephen, Matthew and Andrew Jarvis, Sarah and Emily Calhoun, Joshua Duncan and Anne, Andrew and Julia Wachtel. He also is survived by his family of co-workers and fellow meteorologists from the Storm Prediction Center, the National Weather Service and private firms, as well as by friends from around the world. He, too, is survived by Eli Sisco and his “two best friends,” Lexi and Chloe.
Visitation will be all day today and Saturday at Primrose Funeral Service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development at the Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service.
For online condolences, visit primrosefuneralservice.com.
Norman Transcript, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013
For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
