Donald Ray Resler

Dr. Donald Ray Resler Sr., M.D., was born on December 5, 1933, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Karen Resler; his mother, Elvera Resler; his father, Otto Resler; and his sister, Mary Lou Scott.

He is survived by his brother, Dean Resler; his children: Gayle Resler McCroy and her husband Bryan McCrory, Donald Ray Resler Jr. and his wife Ann Resler, and Susan Resler Greenwood. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Tommy and Meg McCrory; Taylor and Bethany McCrory; Maddie and Brooks Middleton; Rylee and Jackson Russell; Anderson Resler; and Jackson and Kelsie Resler. His children and grandchildren were the proudest joy of his life, and he was extremely proud of each and every one of them, often sharing that pride with others. He is also survived by his nephew, Sean Scott. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Evelyn McCrory, Anna Margaret McCrory, Caleb McCrory, Adelaide McCrory, Eden McCrory, Tucker McCrory, Lily Joy McCrory, Libbie Middleton, Donnie Middleton, and Bobbie Middleton. He is also survived by his longtime friend and “son,” Dr. Joseph Phillips.

Donald was raised in Cherokee by his mother, Elvera, and her twin sister, Alvena Resler, affectionately known as “The Girls.” He graduated from Cherokee High School in the spring of 1952, where he was active in numerous extracurricular activities including FFA, band, choir, and athletics. A standout athlete, he was named to the Oklahoma All-State Football Team as an offensive lineman in 1952.

He was recruited to the University of Oklahoma, where he played football under Coach Bud Wilkinson and earned a degree from the School of Pharmacy in 1956. Although he had not initially planned to pursue medicine, he was encouraged by university leadership to attend medical school—a path that would define his life’s work.

Dr. Resler completed his residency at Northwestern University Hospital in Chicago, graduating in 1965. He began his medical career with the Oklahoma City ENT Clinic, where he practiced for four years before establishing a private practice that he maintained for over 40 years, serving his patients with dedication and compassion.

A man of deep faith, Dr. Resler was actively involved in several churches throughout Oklahoma City. He sang in church choirs, served on numerous committees, and was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Cathedral, where he was a lay leader and contributed countless hours to improving the church gardens. Later in life, he and Karen moved to Dallas to be closer to their children.

Dr. Resler was also deeply committed to his community. His many contributions included:

• President and longtime member of the Canterbury Choral Society

• Oklahoma City Master Gardener

• Francis Tuttle School Board member for five years

• Member of the Committee of 100, supporting first responders

• State Honorary Member of FFA and 4-H

• Member of the National Board of the State Medical Association

• Board member of the National Finals Rodeo

He also served his country with distinction, holding the rank of Major in the Illinois National Guard and later Colonel in the Oklahoma National Guard. Additionally, he was a dedicated Young Life adult leader and longtime supporter of its mission.

In his later years, he was an active member of the community at Belmont Village in Dallas, where he formed meaningful friendships and remained engaged. He was also blessed to have a wonderful caregiver, Elizabeth Arreola, whose care and compassion brought comfort and support.

Dr. Resler will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his commitment to service, his love for family, and the profound impact he made on his community and the lives of those he cared for.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7 

A Memorial Service will be held on April 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm at St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 127 NW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, US.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations made to the Garden at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.