Don Woodson Heath

Don Woodson Heath ran his final lap on Saturday, September 5, at the age of 83. Don’s life began in Hawthorne, California on September 20, 1942. He was the fourth child, out of six, born to Walter and Alberta Heath. Don’s early years were growing up in the Turley and Tulsa area, going to school, helping out around the house and garden, roller skating, and tinkering on motor vehicles. He started working around the age of 14, pushing a broom at Bush Manufacturing. This led him to becoming a pipe fitter and a welder for Bush. He was a very valued employee and spent 46 years with Bush, followed by another 12 years with Lewis Manufacturing, before finally retiring. In October 1960, he married Judy Tucker and during this union two children were born, John in 1961 and LaDonna in 1962. In the early 1960’s, while working on a race car pit crew he filled in for the driver and caught the racing bug. This led to a racing career at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Speedway, as well as other race tracks in Oklahoma, in the Modified Division. He built most of the cars he raced and was known for having uniquely, engineered and safe cars. 1n 1974 he began building micro midgets with John Pickle and was instrumental in the growth of RuJo Raceway, now Port City Raceway. After retiring from full-time driving he was still building and maintaining other race cars for various drivers and promoting racing at RuJo. One of the drivers was Rita Bobino for whom he married on September 20, 1985. In 1988, Don and Rita retired from racing and Don decided to start playing, rebuilding and restoring small 5 acre tractors. He acquired a collection of Shaw’s, Orphan’s and Livi tractors. Time was now spent at the yearly Pawnee Steam Show and other shows, and of course, was always the winner of the tractor pulling contests. Don is survived by wife, Rita, his sisters, Jean Rensvold and Yvonne Morrall, son and wife, John and Jerri Heath; daughter, LaDonna Peacock; Three grandsons, Jarred Heath, James and wife Megan Heath, and Eric Peacock. Also, three great grandchildren, Valerie, David and Noah Heath. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alberta, his brothers, Gaylen, Cluese and Tony Heath, and sister, Brenda Lechner. Also preceded by former wife, Judy Martindale and baby grandson Christopher Peacock. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, at Cowboy Church Fellowship, 4012 S US Hwy 169, Talala, OK with Pastor Mike Coe officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cherokee Nation Scholarship Fund.

Don Woodson Heath

September 20, 1942 - September 6, 2026