Obituary for Donald Early

Donald Wesley Early – Veteran

(June 15, 1932 – August 12, 2016)

Donald W. "Don" Early

Don Early, age 84, long time resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, August 12, 2016 in Ponca City.

Friends may pay their respect at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8pm and Friday from 8am-8pm with the family present for a visitation from 6-8pm Friday only. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the First Christian Church in Ponca City with Reverend Larry Metzger officiating. Following the ceremony, Don will be laid to rest at the Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Donald was born on June 15, 1932 to Elbert Early and Stella Dougherty Early in Ponca City, OK. Don was raised in Ponca City, graduating from Ponca City High School in 1953. Following high school, Don joined the Army Reserves, serving in Germany before being honorably discharged. Following his time with the Army, Don began working in the Oil & Gas industry as a seismographer. He worked for City Service and later Occidental Petroleum, spending time all over the U.S., including Alaska, western Colorado and western Texas before his retirement in 1987. As a faithful member of First Christian Church, Don served for many years as the sound technician amongst other areas where he was able to serve. Don enjoyed camping with his extended family. His nieces and nephews were quite special to him. When they were young, he would often bring them stuffed animals or other thoughtful gifts. They enjoyed getting to spend time with "Uncle Don Don." Don could often be found enjoying morning coffee at McDonalds with some of the other men in Ponca City.

Survivors include his sister Erma Jean Harader of Ponca City, brother Gerald Early and wife Mary of Georgetown, TX, nieces: Vicki Culberson and husband Dug of Frisco, TX, Gayla Bolay and husband Ed of Ponca City, Joy Harmon and husband Joe of Edmond, Donetta Hicks and husband Dale of Ponca City; nephews: Mike Early and wife Kim of Chicago, IL, Dirk Early and wife Xiaoling of Austin, TX, Greg Early and wife Jennifer of Ashburn, VA. 28 great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Don in passing were his parents, sister Velma and her husband Donald Bussey, brother in law Fred L. Harader, and nephew Dennis Bussey.

Casket bearers will be Dale Hicks, Jerry Hicks, Jeff Hicks, Joe Harmon, Neal Harmon, Mark Bolay, and Kevin Miller. Honorary casket bearers will be Boyd Braden, Ralph Beaty, Cliff Schilling, Kim Stauffer, Bobby Wilson, Robert McWhorter, Mike Morriss, and Floyd Novotny.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 N. Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601 or First Christian Church, 210 N. 5th St., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home