Obituary for Donald Merle Bohon

Donald Merle Bohon

February 12, 1944 — November 19, 2019

Surrounded by his family and friends, Donald Merle “Donnie” Bohon, long time resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at his home.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects on Friday, November 22 from 12-8 pm at Trout Funeral Home. A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 23 at Central Baptist Church, with Pastor John Waterloo officiating. Following the ceremony, Donnie will be laid to rest next to his wife Rose Mary at Burbank Cemetery. He will receive United States Military Honors. Casket Bearers will be Jay Bohon, Jon Bohon, Mark Bohon, Lance Bohon, Kerry Bohon, Mike Smith, Brian Smith, and Cody Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Donnie was born on February 12, 1944 to George Taylor Bohon and Leota Pearl Toon Bohon in Severy, KS. He was the youngest of six children. The family moved to Burbank, Oklahoma when Donnie was a small child. He grew up and attended school there. In 1961, Donnie joined the Army National Guard. After three years of service, he joined the United States Navy so he could serve alongside his brother Cecil. They served on a destroyer which escorted air craft carriers in and around Vietnam. During his time in the Navy, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After Donnie’s honorable discharge in 1967, he returned to Ponca City, Oklahoma. On August 16, 1967, Donnie married Rose Mary Hall; they celebrated 28 years of marriage before her passing in 1996. Donnie also began his career with Evans and Throop Construction (later becoming Evans & Associates Construction) upon his return from the Navy. He spent his entire career at Evans and retired in 2009 after forty-two years on the job.

Donnie was a selfless man who always looked out for the needs of others. During his free time and after retirement, Donnie enjoyed fishing, tinkering in his shop, and woodworking. Many of his friends and family were the recipients of his special handmade gifts. However, none of these activities ever got in the way of spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They could count on him to be rooting them on in all of their activities. Donnie served for nineteen years with the Extra Eyes Civilian Patrol for the Ponca City Police Department. When he was serving with Extra Eyes, he was always partnered with his nephew Jay Bohon and treasured their time together. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his children: Dawn Marie Hackett and husband Matthew of Moore, OK, Donald Merle Bohon II and wife Kristin Smith of Ponca City, siblings: Hurley Bohon of Ponca City, Jackie Bohon and wife Zofia of Ponca City, grandchildren: Caitlin Welch and husband William of Ponca City, Joshua Knott and wife Cheyene of Rolla, MO, Luke Bohon and Rheagan Bohon, both of Ponca City, as well as one great- grandchild on the way.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Leota, wife, Rose Mary, as well as his siblings, Cecil Bohon, George Bohon, and Shirley Mayfield.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 N. Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home