John Allen Oby April 9, 1948 - May 20, 2021

John Allen Oby, age 73 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on May 20, 2021 at his home.
John Allen Oby was born April 9, 1948 in Grafton to the late John and Helen (Gilbertson) Oby. He was raised and attended school in St. Thomas, graduating from St. Thomas High School.  He attended the University of North Dakota until January of 1968, when he was drafted into the United States Army.  He served in the 82nd Airborne during Vietnam.  Allen was honorably discharged in July 1969 and returned to North Dakota.  He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. 
Allen was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas, the St. Thomas American Legion, the St. Thomas Fire Department, and the St. Thomas City Council.  He loved to read, take drives in the “Gator”, shake dice with friends, play pinochle, and give people a hard time. 
He is survived by his children: Lisa Oby (Norman Hurst), St. Thomas, ND; Brandon Oby, St. Thomas, ND; and Morgen Shaff, Parker, CO;  his grandchildren:  Greyson and Everly; siblings: Karen (Tom Dahle) Oby, Bismarck, ND; Donna (Gerald) Smith, Sun Lakes, AZ; and Lynn (Linda) Oby, Bismarck, ND; and special friend, Brenda Hunter, Mesa, AZ.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Wayne. 
Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Thomas City Cemetery of rural St. Thomas, ND.  Interment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery following the service.  Military Rites will be provided by the St. Thomas American Legion and the National Guard Honor Guard.  There will be a reception following the burial at the American Legion in St. Thomas. 

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