Donald Vance Eckert Sr.

Donald Vance Eckert Sr. Donald Vance Eckert Sr., 84, of Dewey, died Monday in Dewey. Donald was born the son of Emil and Mildred (Mowen) Eckert on August 13, 1933, in Drumright, OK. He received his education in the Drumright schools, graduating from Tidol High School in 1951, and went on to Oklahoma State University to further his studies. Growing up he started working at a young age the family grew all of their own food and Donald enjoyed hunting. In the oil fields he painted tank batteries and carried pipe. One summer he followed the wheat harvest but had to turn back before entering Canada due to his studies at OSU. Donald lived just down the road from Jeanne May Wheeler on the Tidel Oil Lease. They quickly fell in love and married on April 23, 1954 in Shamrock, Ok. They made their home in Tulsa where Don worked at McDonnell Douglas, then Dewey when he joined Phillips Petroleum Company and finally retiring from Applied Automation in 1986 after 32 years of faithful service. After 52 years of loving marriage Jeanne died February 18, 2007. Donald’s passions revolved around hard work, building several homes, cabinetry and doll houses. He and Jeanne loved square dancing, ballroom round dancing and clogging. They traveled all over to attend dances including Hawaii, onboard cruise ships and the Cherokee Queen in Grove. Once retired they moved to Grand Lake and enjoyed the lake life for many years. Donald is survived by his three sons, Donald V. Eckert Jr and Paula of Dewey, Timothy Carl Eckert and Karen of Wann, and Bruce L. Eckert and Djaun of Grove; seven grandchildren, Chad Eckert, Brandon Eckert and Jessica, Quentin Eckert and LeAnne, Timothy Eckert and Doris, Donny Eckert and Shannon, Elizabeth Howard and Justin, and Darrell Eckert and Jessie; and 12 great grandchildren. Donald’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Thursday, June 28, from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, June 29, at the Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Jinx Barber officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Donald Vance Eckert Sr.

August 13, 1933 - June 26, 2018