Don was born on January 8, 1949 to O.M., Jr. “Junior” and Wanda Garrett in Duncan, Oklahoma. He grew up in southern Oklahoma, graduating in 1967 from Fox High School. Don was an outstanding athlete playing football, basketball, baseball, ran track and earned Eagle with the Boy Scouts of American, Arbuckle Counsel.
Don forged a career in the oil field where he worked for over 35 years. He started in the field working on pulling units, cleaning at supply stores, helping instruct setting packers, hauling supplies and worked his way into sales after earning his Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Central Oklahoma in 1988.
Racing was Don’s passion; he loved to run marathons and participate in triathlons. After a few injuries, Don couldn’t participate anymore, but he still showed up to all of the races. Eventually a career in timing budded from his hours spent around the finish lines. Don started DG Productions in 1998. He built his business from the ground up, and it was his baby.
Don was a founding member of the Tri City A.A. Group. There he met and married the love of his life Brenda Kaye, the two were wed on Valentine’s Day in 2002. They built their home together in south Oklahoma City and the couple enjoyed traveling any chance they got.
Don earned his pilot’s license and loved to fly planes, fiercely enjoyed watching OU games, and relished time spent with his A.A. friends. Don loved spending time with his grandchildren and told each of them individually, “you are my favorite!”
Don is preceded in death by his parents: Wanda and Junior “Nanny and Papa”.
Left to cherish his precious memory is his wife of 18 years, Brenda Garrett, children: Heather and husband Akim Smiley, Travis and wife Euna Garrett, Monica Zyzak, and Nick Zyzak, his grandchildren: Braden Chilton, Ashlynne Smiley, Isabella Smiley, Arlo Garrett, Euan Garrett, and Indiana Garrett, sister Pamela and her husband Gary Nichols, brother Steve and wife Rosemary Garrett, nephews: Brandon Stewart and Garrett Nichols, and many other beloved family members.
After being diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago Don could not spend enough time with friends and family. He expressed how proud he was of his children and their accomplishments. His grand children were his pride and joy. Don never did anything half way. He was an all or nothing person. He put his heart and soul into anything that he did and encouraged others to follow suite.
