Dcn. John Pigott

Deacon John Dowling Pigott, Ph.D., of Norman, died on Feb. 14 at the age of 72. He was born on Feb. 2, 1951, in Gorman, Texas. Deacon John began his education in Stephenville, Texas, and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in geology from the University of Texas at Austin. He further continued to pursue his Ph.D. at The Northwestern University in Chicago. Prior to becoming the professor at the University of Oklahoma, where he was actively working up until the last day of his life, Deacon John worked in the oil and gas industry with the Amoco Company. 

While teaching and working in research at the university, he also worked as a consultant and training instructor to better professionals in the oil and gas industry for many domestic and international companies. He had the opportunity to teach and meet people from many countries, where he learned their differences and loved each for their individuality. For more than 40 years at the University of Oklahoma, he was never tired of teaching, or researching with, his students as a professor or advisor in the geology and geophysics department. He loved his students and always wanted the best for them. In return, most of his students loved him as well.

Deacon John enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kulwadee Pigott. They frequently made travel trips to visit many places around the world. He enjoyed golf, photography and scuba diving. With his passion for diving, he became certified as a dive master at the age of 69. They also occasionally spent time at their second home on Hawaii Island during the school break.

Deacon John was a devoted Catholic. He was an active and dedicated member of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church where he served as a deacon for almost 20 years. He taught in RCIA, and recently acted as a spiritual advisor for the charity formation of the parish Saint Vincent de Paul. 

His faith in God was never swayed or shaken, even when facing difficult times in his life. He strongly believed that Christ had died for all humanity so that people will be raised again. By that, he was always joyful in serving and encouraged others to live with Christ. He never missed an opportunity to attend Sunday Mass at different Catholic Churches while traveling to other countries.

Deacon John is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kulwadee L. Pigott; his half-brother, Charles Smith Peek and a few nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Jane Lawrence; and his uncle, Dick Dowling Poe.

A Rosary service was held on Feb. 20 at Saint. Thomas Catholic Church in Norman. A Mass of Christian Burial was  on Feb. 21 at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Norman. Interment followed at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Norman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church at
stm-ou.org/donate.