While attending Southeast High School he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Jean Fergason, on December 11, 1955, at Lambuth United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Fran, of the home, his daughter Cindy Cole and husband Rick of OKC, his son Randy Herring and wife Becky of Lawton, and son Rick Herring and wife Carla of Midwest City. He is also survived by his grandchildren Richard Paulk and wife Brenda of Moore, Randon Paulk of OKC, Brian Herring of Lawton, Amy Herring of Lawton, Rikki Herring of Midwest City, Austin Cole and Molly Musgrove of OKC, Adam Cole and wife Brittany of OKC and great-grandchildren Trey Paulk of Moore, April Lopez of Moore and Harper Cole of OKC.
He was a member of the US Marine Corps Reserves and proudly served in the US Air Force for 24 years, retiring in 1979 as a Master Sergeant. During his USAF career he flew 350 missions over Viet Nam and received the Viet Nam Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1971. His other medals include the Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/5 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Longevity Service Award w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal w/5 Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, and was the recipient of the Saunders Trophy for Outstanding Air Refueling Unit.
He worked for the US Postal Service as a Rural Carrier for 13 years retiring in 1998, but remained active in the union.
Don re-built and flew a 2-seater Piper-Cub airplane, and also enjoyed building and flying model airplanes. He loved fishing, woodworking and was a devout Dallas Cowboys fan. He was an avid bowler until his health deteriorated. His family was the most important thing to him and he loved them all.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don’s name to Lambuth United Methodist Church, 3823 S Shields, OKC, OK 73129.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Bill Eisenhour Southeast Chapel, Del City, OK.
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