Donald Lee Ming Sr.

Donald Lee Ming, Sr. passed away on Thursday December 10, 2020 in Mustang, OK at the age of 92. He was born September 27, 1928 in El Reno, OK to John and Juanita Ming. Don lived much of his life in the OKC area. Growing up, Don lived in several places around Oklahoma including Chickasha and Healdton and even lived in New Orleans at one point. After moving to the Oklahoma City area, he would reminisce about riding the trolley car out to El Reno to visit his grandparents. He attended Central High School where he participated in choir and sports. He played football as a fullback. His time was divided between school, sports, work AND the love of his life, Joan. His varying jobs included working at a local theater and then later at a the Federal Reserve. After high school, he continued working and finally convinced Joan to marry him in 1949. In 1953, he took on his most challenging and fulfilling roles as he became a father to his only child and son. It was during these years as husband and father that Don really began to enjoy his downtime by fishing. He would travel to varying tournaments around Oklahoma and Texas. In 1951, Don applied for and was hired onto the Oklahoma City Police Department. During his career with the department, he received the honor of driving then Presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey around the city. He was a homicide detective and was involved in some interesting cases and also received commendations for his work. He retired from the police department as a Lieutenant in 1977 after 26 years of service. He was well liked on the department and known for having what it took to get the job done but also for his humor. After retirement he moved to Lake Texoma where he and his wife had built a home. Spending time fishing and sometimes playing golf, he took on other jobs to stay busy. He was a boat salesman for a while. He also worked as security at Catfish Bay. Another advantage to living at the lake was being able to enjoy his grandchildren in a fun environment where they each looked forward to their summer visits. They probably remember him watching golf on TV and cooking shows. But his favorites were old classic movies and television shows. After having lived there for around 17 years they returned to Oklahoma City in 1994 feeling it was necessary to be back near family and friends. During the following years they spent time with lifelong close friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Joan. He is survived by his son, Don Ming, Jr. and wife, Vedia, brother, Paul Ming and wife, Bobbie as well as 5 grandchildren, Patricia Ming of Oklahoma City, Patrick Ming and wife Stacy of Aurora, Colorado, Laura Daigle and husband John of Guthrie, Oklahoma, Alicia Sharp and husband Bo of Guthrie, Oklahoma and Sarah Mathes and husband Justin of Guthrie, Oklahoma. He has 14 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the El Reno Cemetery.