Obituary for Donald French

Ponca City Now - December 9, 2024 4:08 pm

Don French

July 29, 1932 — December 2, 2024

Donald Eugene French, longtime Ponca city resident, passed away December 2, 2024. He was 92 years of age. Don was born July 29, 1932 in Yale, OK the son of Paul and Eva James French.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Grace Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dennis Wildman officiating. Interment will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.at Grace Memorial chapel of Ponca City, OK.

Don was raised in Ponca City, and he attended the Ponca City School system until he felt the need to serve his county. He enlisted in the United States Army and fought valiantly in the Korean War. He was awarded the bronze Star for heroism on March 31, 1952. After his honorable discharge, Don returned to Ponca City to complete his High School education. Don met the love of his life, LaWanda Grimley, there and they were married March 8, 1953. They established their home in Ponca City. Don worked for the Ponca City Fire Department and retired after over twenty years of service. He was then employed with the United States Post office delivering mail until his retirement. During his spare time, Don enjoyed fishing and working in his yard, which he kept looking good. He also enjoyed working with wood and creating many amazing pieces of art which he gifted to others, never thinking they were worthy of selling.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his two sons: Ricky French and wife, Kristine of Kinmundy, IL, David French and wife Linda of Ponca City, OK one daughter, Donna Bodkin and husband Kendall of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and an ever-growing number of great great grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of Sixty-Five years Lawanda in 2018, one sister, Cleta Spore, and his granddaughter, Debbie Potter.

Online guest registry is available at www.gracememorialchapel.net