Don N. Vinson, 94, of McLoud, Oklahoma, passed from this life Thursday, November 3, 2022, at his home.
He was born August 17, 1928 in Marietta, Oklahoma, to James Earl and Elta Mae (Meeks) Vinson.
Don was raised in Oklahoma. He lived in Oklahoma City, Moore and Norman until settling in McLoud in 1971 where he cleared the land and built his beloved home and has lived ever since.
He married Wanda Mae Billbrey on November 9, 1946, in Mountain View, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2010.
Don proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.
He worked as a truck driver for Ryan Truck Lines until 1987 when he retired.
Don loved noodling as a very young man. He loved fishing, especially fishing for crappie, at Lake Sardis. He held the record for the largest fish in Fort Cobb Lake, after he caught a 32
3 ⁄ 4 lb. flathead catfish. Don’s passion for fishing allowed him to furnish enough fish for both the family fish fries and the annual church fish fry. He loved flying and was a licensed pilot. Don was a big OKC Thunder fan. The love of his life, second only to the love of his girls, was his property and watching the wildlife. He always said “he loved every blade of grass.” He was a lifelong Christian, attending Baptist churches (where he was a Deacon) and practicing regular bible study.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Mae Vinson of 63 years; daughter, LaDonna Dasch; his parents; brother, Darrell Vinson; sister-in-law, Charlotte Vinson; and brother-in-law, Jim Crabb.
Those left to cherish his memory are 4 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Connie and Kent Thomas of Tecumseh, OK, Karen and Fred Fahringer of Edmond, OK, Nancy Vinson of Fairfax, CA and Inda Vinson of Shawnee, OK; 2 brothers and 2 sisters-in -law, Lloyd and Mary Vinson of Missouri and Bill and Loretta Vinson of Missouri; 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Shirley and Jerald Pewford of Oklahoma City, Nita Crabb of Oklahoma and Anne and Leroy Richards of Oklahoma; 4 grandchildren, Shantel O’Grady and husband Erin, Collette Goralnick and husband Jared, Adelaide South and husband Michael and Cindy Burrows; 7 great-grandchildren, Ewan O’Grady, Brennen O’Grady, Keira O’Grady, Brent Voorhes, Gregory Burden, Josh Burden and Josephine Goralnick; and other extended family and friends.
Private family services were held per Don’s wishes. Burial followed at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
To share memories, or to sign the guest book on-line, go to www.cooperfuneral.com.
