Donnie Lee George

Donnie Lee George was born in Oklahoma City on October 27th, 1944 to his beloved mother Frances Marjory Conrow George, and father, Louis Clayton George. Donnie was the second of 8 children to Frances, and her oldest son. He never met a stranger, earning the nickname “Lippee” very early from his family for talking so much. Tubby, Lippee, Bull, Rooster, Sour Pus, Turd, Retha and Mike defined Granny’s amazing big, loud, opinionated and loving family. As the family evolved, no matter what, they’ve stayed a family.

Frances and her kids always worked hard, became strong, and learned very early what sticking together to survive as a family required. They had a lot of good times too. Donnie could tell endless stories, often playing Granny’s card game, eating, working outside or having a “soda pop”.

Donnie was always quick and smart with a rebel streak marching to his own beat. Donnie had a strong work ethic and passed that along to his kids. After starting sports in 7th grade, Donnie excelled in football year over year, with 25 consecutive wins with Choctaw HS Football team, including a State Championship. Donnie was proud of earning All American recognition at Eastern Oklahoma A&M College. Donnie was being watched by 3 NFL teams during college. When asked if he regretted not going pro, he would quickly say “no, if I had, I wouldn’t have my kids and grandkids that I do, they are more important than anything else”. He was always proud of them.

Donnie served two tours in Vietnam. He received Purple Heart and Bronze Star awards for his significant contributions. He didn’t talk about it much, but he was part of a lot of difficult situations during combat.

After Vietnam and different jobs, Donnie moved to Dallas, Texas. He married Murleen Swearingen and had 2 kids – Bryan and Jessica. They would divorce, but Donnie would do what he could to stay in his kids’ lives. Each summer, he would take them on a long road trip. Each trip along with holidays and other times together, we made lots of great memories. He always strived to be a better dad, grandfather, brother, son and person. Words in greeting cards were always so important and powerful to him more than any gift.

As grandkids came, Donnie took so much pride in being Bailee and Rachel’s grandpa and Hannah’s Papa. They were his greatest joy and pride for the last years of his life. He spent numerous birthdays, holidays, annual fair visits, long Christmas visits to Texas, and other times with them as much as he could. He loved talking about God, his family, sports, his “Papa” and Texas A&M wardrobe and his philosophies. His memory on numbers, sports players, people’s wishes, pets and events of his past were second to none. He loved all kids, giving them affectionate nicknames, and they loved him in return.

As Donnie gave up “soda pop”, he realized more and more the importance of being healthy, right with God and his family. It was his daily focus in supporting his family, studying the Bible, anonymously helping others, and giving without constraint to his family, his church, and others.

Donnie transitioned in his Christian journey on November 6, 2022 after 78 years on this earth. Donnie will be missed and never forgotten. He is loved always. Please honor him by continuing to share yours and his stories with others. He would love that.