Donald "Donnie" Ray Shamel

Donald Ray Shamel, or Donnie to his family and friends, was born on September 16th, 1948 in Tulsa, OK, the son of Donald Gene and Martha Jane “Mattie” (Tillison) Shamel. Sadly, his mother passed from this life soon after Donnie was born, so he was lovingly raised by his Mom, Mary Roseann Tillison-Shamel. He grew up with one brother and five sisters, Carol, Linda, Gary, Roseanna, Patricia “Patty, and Billie. Their father was an accomplished chef, and the family moved often from Washington to Oregon, Kansas to New Mexico, and all over the United States of America. They finally relocated to the green country area to be close to the family they loved. His father opened “Big Red” restaurant in Keys, OK. And it was during this time, he met and married the mother of his children and his best friend, Yvonne Elkins. They were married on August 30th, 1968, in Park Hill, OK. Together they raised a family of one son and two daughters, Donna Lavon, Terry Ann and Walter James. Donnie attended school and got his Welders Certificate, and worked trucking as well as owning and operating two gas stations, and worked in construction. When he wasn’t working, he was living life to its fullest with the wife and children he adored. He loved bowling and joined the league, competing every chance he had. There was nothing better than the time spent with his family, playing cards and dominos, coon hunting, and fishing at Lake Tenkiller. He was talented in any number of hobbies, one being woodworking and building beautiful furniture. An avid football fan, he loved watching OU Sooners and the Kansas City Chiefs play ball. The best people in the world were his grandchildren, and every moment he shared with them was so precious to him. He truly felt blessed to have his morning cup of coffee on his own front porch and watching the water glisten in the sunlight. Donnie’s sense of humor had seen him through many of the trials of life, and he never lost his ability to tell a good joke, pull a prank or just enjoy being funny for the fun of it. He knew some of the dark times in life, and none as dark as when he lost his Yvonne in 2019. He never complained, but tried a little harder to find the things in life that made him smile. He loved his children and grandchildren, dinners and holidays were golden for Donnie. His health began to fade and he passed from this life on Monday, December 12th, 2022 in the home he loved, surrounded by those he held dear. Donnie was 74 years old and will be greatly missed by all those who shared his world.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter Guy and Mamie (Trego) Shamel, and Frederick Tillison and wife Gladys (Reynolds) Tillison. He also joins his mother, Mattie Jane Tillison-Shamel, his father, Doanld Gene Shamel, his mother, Mary Roseann Tillison-Shamel, his wife Yvonne, and four brothers-in-law, Clyde Watts, Joe Edwards, Jackie Elkins, and Johnnie Elkins.

Those left to cherish his memory include the following, his children, Donna Lavon James and husband Randy, Terry Ann Dray and husband Blake both of Tahlequah, and Walter James Shamel and wife Julie of Park Hill, OK. He also leaves his brother and sisters, Carol Shamel of Tahlequah, Linda Walker and husband Stanton of Park Hill, OK, Gary Shamel and wife Denita of Salina, OK, Roseanna Edwards of Park Hill, OK, Patricia Watts of Park Hill, OK, and Billie Jordan and husband Perry of Park Hill, OK. Donnie lives on in his eight grandchildren, Gary Don Davis, Brittany “Sissy Girl” Rae Reed and husband Chase , Bradley Jay Price and wife Kayla, Jamie Leon Price and wife Mary, and Emma Kate Dray all of Tahlequah, OK, Kelton James Shamel, James Aaron Elkins, both of Park Hill, OK and Amber Lee Beaver of Tennessee. He also leaves his great grandchildren, Rylie Dawn Davis, Hayden Ray Davis, Easton Jay Davis, Kyler Hammons, Kambri Ann Reed, Wyatt Lee Reed, Lincoln Jay Price, Sophie Grace Price and Eddie Dean Price all of Tahlequah, OK. He also leaves his nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention. The family would like to thank and acknowledge James Aaron Elkins, for the countless hours of love and care given Uncle Donnie when he needed the help most. There are not enough words to express our gratitude. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Hospice of the Cherokee for all of the loving care, as well as everyone that sent their well wishes and kind thoughts our way during this difficult transition, its greatly appreciated.

Funeral services for Donald Ray Shamel will be conducted on Friday, December 16th, 2022 at 2:00 PM with Brother George Hubbard officiating. He will have a time of visitation on Thursday, December 15th, 2022 beginning at 1:00 Pm until 7:00 Pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Pettit Bay Cemetery next to his wife Yvonne.

Pallbearers for Donnie include Bradley Price, Randy James, Chase Reed, James Elkins, Hayden Davis, and Gary Davis. His Honorary Pallbearers include Gary Shamel, Jackie Walker, Jay Elkins, Walt Shamel, Jamie Price, and Kelton Shamel.

Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.