Obituary for Donald Ailey

Donald Ailey

February 13, 1942 – August 12, 2019

Donald Edward Ailey, resident of Ponca City, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019. He was 77 years old. Don was born on February 13, 1942 in Depew, Oklahoma to his parents Leonard and Emma Ailey. He graduated from Tonkawa High School in 1960. Don married Kathleen Fields on April 17, 1964 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. After marriage, Don began working in city service in Oklahoma City until December 1976. Don’s family moved to Pond Creek where he worked at the Medford Packing Company, a company he owned with his brother. Shortly after, they moved to Medford where they resided from 1977 to 1999. The family moved to Ponca City in 1999 and Don began his job as a state meat inspector for Oklahoma retiring in 2007.

Those who knew Don knew of his two passions: fishing and golf. He enjoyed woodworking projects around his home, working in the yard and gardening. Don liked to relax while watching fishing and nature shows but truly loved spending time with his son watching sports on TV.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Kathy Ailey of Ponca City, son, Paul Ailey of Ponder, Texas, daughter, Diane Horning of Enid, Oklahoma, grandchildren, Derek and Brooke Ailey of Carrollton, Texas, and Keeley, Mikayla, and Tatum Horning of Enid, Oklahoma, sister, Jean Stroup of Guthrie, Oklahoma, sister, Shirley Fraiser of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, sister, Rita Carol Rackley of Lolo, Montana, and brother, John Ailey of Guthrie, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Emma and two sisters, Mattie Edwards, and Betty Ridgway.

A memorial ceremony will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Trout Funeral Home Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home