Donald Wade "Don" Harrel

Donald Wade “Don” Harrel was born January 4, 1938, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Kenneth Haskell Harrel and Byrcha Whitlock Harrel. He died November 29, 2023, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 85 years. Don attended all 12 years of his public schooling in Fletcher, Oklahoma, and graduated with the Fletcher High School Class of 1956. He continued his education attending Cameron Junior College in Lawton, Oklahoma. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University for 2 more years before entering the United States Air Force Reserves. After basic and a year of running a rural mail route, he was activated for a year at Tinker Air Force Base. Following that year he attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, earning his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Don was married January 27, 1967, in Fletcher, Oklahoma, to Landa Brown. He then attended night school and summers at Southwestern, earning his master’s degree in counseling in 1969. Don began his professional career in education at Jefferson Elementary as a 6th grade teacher in Lawton, Oklahoma. He then began the high school counseling program with Elgin High School in Elgin, Oklahoma in 1970, where he served for 30 years. Don was a strong man of faith and was a longtime faithful member of Fletcher First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 44 years and taught a men’s Sunday School class. He and his wife Landa became members of Central Baptist Church of Owasso, having moved here in 2017 to help care for their daughter. Don was an unassuming man who displayed his gift of service on a daily basis. He enjoyed a variety of pastimes including gardening and keeping his yard looking immaculate. He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time hunting and fishing. He had a great fondness for animals and cared for many different animals over the years. He enjoyed making special custom gifts for his family and friends, including a wide variety of ornaments. Don was particularly fond of his role as “Granddad” to his grandchildren. Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include: His loving wife of over 56 years; Landa Daughter; Donia Ledford and husband Kris Grandchildren; Hannah Whalen and husband Andrew Brady Ledford Emery Gunther Crosby Gunther Great grandson; Davis Whalen Son-in-law; Bret Gunther and wife Melissa He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Tiffany Gunther. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at Central Baptist Church in Owasso with Pastor Clayton Chisum officiating, with former pastor and friend, Rodney Campbell assisting. Serving as casket bearers will be his Sunday School class, the Miracle Class Men. Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Fletcher Cemetery in Fletcher, Oklahoma. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Don’s memory to the Central Baptist Church Made4More Building Fund, 9001 North 145th East Avenue, Owasso, Oklahoma, 74055. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

Donald Wade "Don" Harrel

January 4, 1938 - November 29, 2023