John M. Wylie II, who served as owner and publisher of the Oologah Lake Leader for many years, died October 4, 2025. He was 72. Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Oologah United Methodist Church, 5834 E 410 Rd., under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home in Collinsville. Wylie was born on March 1, 1953, in Santa Monica, California. He graduated from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa in 1975. A decorated and accomplished journalist and publisher, Wylie believed that the First Amendment is a fundamental right of the American people, and that journalism could help citizens actively participate in government and hold accountable those who abused authority and trust. He also believed that journalism contributes to local economic development and civic prosperity. Wylie joined The Kansas City Star in 1974 as an intern and was named its first full-time energy and environment writer in 1975. He was part of the Star team whose coverage of the Hyatt Regency skywalk disaster won a Pulitzer Prize in 1982. He ended his career at the Star as Southland bureau chief. In 1984, Wylie and his wife, Faith, purchased the Oologah Lake Leader, which they published until 2017. Under their leadership, it was named the state’s best newspaper in its circulation division 17 times. During his time at the Leader, John and Faith, along with Carolyn Estes, created the nationally syndicated newspapers-in-education feature For the Kid in You, which he continued to write for until 2024. John also wrote for many other publications including the Tulsa Tribune, the Oklahoma Observer and Reader’s Digest. His many journalistic awards included induction into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2012; the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation’s Beachy Musselman Award in 1993; 14 first place awards from the National Newspaper Association; Distinguished Achievement Award from the Inland Daily Press Association; a special service award from the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association; and three International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors Golden Dozen awards. He also received the ONG-OPA Editorial Sweepstakes Award eight times, and the ONG-OPA Column Sweepstakes Award four times. Wylie is survived by his wife, Faith, and son, James Wylie. Read the full obituary at https://www.collinsvillefh.com/obituaries/john-wylie-ii.
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John M. Wylie II, who served as owner and publisher of the Oologah Lake Leader for many years, died October 4, 2025. He was 72.