Donald Ray Bolin

Donald Ray Bolin, a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 14, 2025. He was born on September 9, 1945, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Donald spent his childhood in the Dry Creek community, attending Sequoyah High School, where he was a standout athlete on the baseball team, and graduating in 1965. On November 28, 1966, Donald married the love of his life, Edith Jean (Robertson) Bolin. Their chance meeting at Sequoyah blossomed into a beautiful 58-year union, filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering commitment. Together, they shared a deep love for each other, their family, and their community.

Donald accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on July 7, 2002, and his life took on new meaning. He was baptized on August 11, 2002, and became a dedicated member of the Dry Creek General Baptist Church. His faith guided him through life's joys and challenges, and he remained steadfast in his devotion to his Lord.

As a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, Donald was a fluent speaker of the Cherokee language, and he cherished his Native American heritage. He was a true ambassador of his culture, and his love for the Cherokee language and traditions inspired countless others.

Throughout his life, Donald touched countless hearts with his kindness, generosity, and compassion. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent with them. His legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Cornelius Bolin and Nellie Mae (Smith) Bolin; three brothers, Dean, Don, and Johnny Bolin; one sister, Naomi Jean (Bolin) Gourd; one son, Myron Bolin; and one grandchild, Baby Olvera.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his loving wife, Edith Jean Bolin of the home; three daughters, Sharon (Bolin) Hayes of Dry Creek, Oklahoma, Meredith Garay and husband Chalo Solis-Garay of Stilwell, Oklahoma, and Shaina Bolin and Randy of Gore, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren, Casey Brown, Cory Bolin, Jacob Hayes, John Hayes, Stuart Polk, Sierra Polk, Cenia Hayes, Mykal Hayes, Victor Olvera, Di’ana Garay, Mateo Garay, Thor Donaldson, and Mileena Donaldson; seven great-grandchildren, Trenton Gunter, Makayla Hayes, Zane Hayes, Kinzie Hayes, Mila Nofire, Xaleigh Kingfisher, Elijah Nofire, Milo Whitfield, Otis Kingfisher, Sophia Olvera, and two on the way; four sisters, Jennie Kay Bolin, Mary Pritchett, Martha Jones, and Ella Bolin; one brother, David Bolin; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends too numerous to mention.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, but his memory will live on in their hearts forever. Rest in peace, Donald. Your love, faith, and legacy will continue to bless and inspire us all.

A wake service for Donald will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Dry Creek Community Building, 30975 South 584 Road, Bunch, Oklahoma. A funeral service will take place Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Dry Creek Community Building. Donald will be laid to rest in Barber Cemetery, Dry Creek, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Everett Bolin, Gilbert Bolin, Dale Lee Bolin, James Gourd, Jacob Hayes, Byron Grayson, Tim Brown, and Ronnie Carter. Honorary pallbearers include Tony Stayathome, Victor Olvera, Stuart Polk, Mateo Garay, Cory Bolin, Thor Donaldson, Edward Bolin, Chalo Solis-Garay, Ricky Jones, Steve Jones, Christopher Stayathome and Anthony Pritchett.