Donald L. Hart Jr.

November 15, 1934 - November 13, 2013

Born in 1934 and raised in Oklahoma City, he graduated from Classen High School in 1952. Attending Oklahoma University on a full wrestling scholarship, he won two conference championships. Don graduated with a B.S. Degree in Geology with a minor in chemistry and physics in 1957. After a short tour of duty in the U.S. Army Artillery he went to work for the the U.S. Geological Survey as a Hydrologist and Geologist and spent 30 years in Oklahoma and New Mexico, publishing numerous scientific reports until his early retirement at the age of 55.

He took retirement to a new level. For the next 24 years Don’s focus turned to running duathlons and triathlons, representing the USA on the US National Duathlon Team in world competitions in Australia, Mexico, and Italy and culminating in a 2nd place age group finish at the 2005 Kona Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. He was selected for the 2005 “All American Duathlon Team” and was ranked 1st nationally in duathlon by the National Triathlon Association (USAT) and was ranked 9th in triathlon in his age group. The November 2006 Triathlete Magazine listed Don as 2nd in “Age-group All Stars,” 20th in triathlon and 3rd in Duathlon. Don was a mentor to friends and competitors alike with words of advice and encouragement while serving as an inspiration.

Don and his wife, Ann, traveled from Hong Kong to Europe, Japan, Australia, China, Mexico and Russia. He returned to Cancun, Mexico each year to enjoy friends, food and beach.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, you were indeed the wings that made us soar. You were a quiet, thoughtful, and kind man who lived an exceptional life. Immediate survivors include his wife of 57 years Ann, daughter Kim Falk and husband Mark, daughter Kay Mathias, grandchildren Nick Mathias, Kiley Faily and husband Jesse, Kori Adcock and fiancé Austin Reid, great granddaughters Harper and Emersyn.

On Don’s behalf, we want to thank the dedicated and compassionate doctors, nurses and staff at the Mercy Hospital and Mercy Pastoral Care.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to TRI-OKC Scholarship Program at P.O. Box 2191, OKC, OK 73102

Don will be missed but never forgotten.