Donald Jay McFall

Donald Jay McFall, (Jay Bird, Bud, Donnie, Bapa Don, and Grandpa,) 81, passed away September 14, 2015 at home in Edmond after a long and heroic battle with Parkinson’s disease. Don was born during a snowstorm, February 26, 1934, on the family farm, 5 miles south of Tuttle. He was the son of Jay and Dorothy (Cook) McFall. Don enjoyed a long and successful career in civil service at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (Tinker Air Force Base) beginning as a college student, working nights, and culminating 36 years later as Deputy Division Chief of Item Management. After retirement, Don worked daily as a substitute teacher, utilizing his strong and caring presence both in the classroom and with students needing additional supervision.

Don graduated from Tuttle High School and Central State College (University of Central Oklahoma). He was most proud of his time in the Army where he served during the Occupation of Germany. He became a self-described historian of World War II and modeled and inspired respect for the military and veterans to all family members. Don was devoted to family and OU football and especially enjoyed when he could combine the two. He was a committed father, faithfully supporting his children in Boy Scouts, athletics, and dance recitals. As a devoted husband, he was always supportive of Pat, especially her involvement in service organization endeavors. Don was also a long time member of the United Methodist Church. In his younger years, he was an active member of the Lay Witness Mission program.

He is survived by his wife of more than 59 years, Pat Miller McFall, who was his devoted and loving caregiver during his prolonged illness. Other survivors include his sons, Donald Keith McFall and wife Louise of Edmond and James Kevin McFall and wife Bette of Edmond; daughter, Kristin Ann Prouse and husband Greg of Dallas, Texas; eight Grandchildren; 3 Great-Grandchildren; sisters, Edna Braker and husband Hank of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Joy Plumlee and husband Joe of Edmond, and Debra DeBartelo and husband Ralph of Edmond; and nephew, Gary Don Stansberry of Bentonville, Arkansas. Special recognition goes to Brandy Kassaye, his skilled and kind provider of daily healthcare for three years. We could not have done it without her.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Baggerley Funeral Home Chapel, 10am, Friday, September 18, 2015, with interment to follow at noon at Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s honor to the Oklahoma DAR McFall Veterans First Fund Endowment at https://occf.org/onlinegiving/