John Putnam
Age - 86
November 18, 2023
H. John Putnam, 86 of Columbus, NE died Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Columbus. His life will be celebrated with a visitation on Tuesday, November 21, from 4-6 PM at St. Isidore Church with a Vigil service to follow at 6 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Wednesday, November 22, at 10:30 AM at St. Isidore Church. Interment will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, all in Columbus. John was born on October 9, 1937 in Columbus, Nebraska, to Harold and Nolia (Burgess) Putnam. In 1947, he moved with his family to Goodyear, AZ. John graduated from Phoenix Technical High School in 1955. He attended Arizona State College (now Northern Arizona University) in Flagstaff from 1955-57 before transferring to Arizona State University (Tempe). He received his BA Degree in Instrumental Music in 1959 and his MA Degree in Choral Music and Humanities in 1965, both from ASU. John did additional graduate work at ASU, NAU, Northern Illinois University and VanderCook College. Mr. Putnam began his 41 year teaching career in 1959 as the Music Director at Agua Fria Union High School in Avondale (AZ). In 1969, the AFUHS Concert Band performed at Disneyland and the AFUHS Concert Choir made several tours throughout Arizona. In 1965, John became the Director of Choral Activities at McClintock High School in Tempe (AZ). He also inaugurated a Humanities class with his colleague Bob Sola, Theatre and Speech Director. John and Bob later became appointed by the Arizona Department of Education, to conduct Humanities workshops in Arizona middle and high schools. Mr. Putnam's MHS Chanticleers sang at the 1969 Western Division MENC Convention in Honolulu. His A Cappella Choir sang at Disneyland five times and performed at the 1971 Western Division MENC Convention in San Diego. In August, 1971, Mr. Putnam returned to Columbus (NE) to inaugurate the Music Program at Platte College (now Central Community College-Columbus). That same year, he founded and directed the Platte Campus Cantari, an eight-voice show choir performing madrigals, sacred music and popular music of the day. The Chorale was added in the fall of 1973 and had, depending on the year, 18-24 singers. Chorale also widely expanded their repertoire and incorporated a "theme show" over the years. Both Chorale and Cantari toured to over 30 Nebraska middle and high schools each spring as well as performing for local, regional and state conventions. Each May, Chorale took an alternating three-week tour to the Southeast or Southwest United States, performing on cruise ships, in churches, schools and for National and International Festivals. They were honored by performing 26 times at a Disney Magic Music Days site in California or Florida. Overseas tours included Bermuda, the Bahamas, Germany, Austria and Italy. John retired from the College in July, 2000. Mr. Putnam received many honors during his career. In 1989 he was presented the Arizona Music Educator Association "President's Gold Award" for Excellence in Music Education. He was the Platte Person of the Year in 1990. John was voted as the 1993 Phi Theta Kappa Teacher of the Year and was also named the Nebraska Faculty Member of the Year, an award given annually to one faculty member from the Nebraska Community College System. "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" honored John with his inclusion in their 2002 publication. In 1982, Mr. Putnam assisted in re-establishing the Columbus Community Band. He played in, and later co-conducted the band until 2015. He was a member of the Columbus Friends of Board and the Columbus Arts Council for several terms. After retiring, he continued to share music by mentoring at middle schools, high schools and Universities throughout the state and country. John also enjoyed coaching voice and piano students in the Columbus area and he continued to compose and arrange music for individuals, schools and professional performers. In 2018 he became a state-wide adjudicator for the Omaha Performing Arts Nebraska High School Theatre Awards program. John was a Life Member of Music Educators National Conference (now National Association for Music Education), Arizona Music Educators, Nebraska Music Educators and The American Choral Director's Association. John's favorite words to his singers were, 'Two More Miles," "Share With Your Heart So Your Eyes Can Dance" and "Door's Open!". Survivors include sons, Bill and Rick (Cindie) and his two grandchildren Matthew (Putnam) Enquist and Jessica (Putnam) Anleu. Several Great-Grandchildren. Nieces Sherri (Ted) Clouse, Nikki (Derick) Rogers, Alaina (Andrew) Cleland. Nephews Robert Acuff, David Bullard, L. E. (Angela) Erickson, Robert Acuff. Great Nieces and Nephews Ashley and Austin Clouse, Alex Morgan, Nick Mason, Hunter and Owen Cleland, David Bullard, Christian, Spencer and Landon Erickson. Aunt Donna Pfeifer and Cousins Terry Pfeifer and Kristine Stewart. His Agua Fria, McClintock, and Platte Campus "music families". Many former students and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, younger brother Jerry and his faithful dog Tessa. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John Putnam, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. There are no gallery images. #recaptcha-container label {display: none}Upload a PhotoLabel: *Image: *Gallery:Obituary Photos Required Confirmation: Upload Gallery ImageShow more
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