Donald Ray Mahan

January 19, 2017, at Crane Nursing Home in Crane. He was born in Oklahoma City on October 19, 1932 to Willis and Grace Mahan.

He joined the US Army on September 1, 1948 at the age of 16 out of a great sense of patriotism and in an effort to help his parents provide for the family. He was trained in Virginia and served in Japan until April 1, 1950. Don then became a reservist and was honorably discharged March 31, 1955.

Don married Dean McCann February 5, 1955. They were married 46 years when Dean passed away. Mary Mahan Janssen and Donald Ray (D.R.) Mahan, Jr. were born into this union. During the years that Don and Dean were married, they lived and worked in many places, but eventually settled in Odessa.

Don retired from El Paso Products in 1992. While working for El Paso Products, he and Dean were able to live in Algeria. This allowed them many opportunities to visit places they never dreamed they would see. After retiring, Don and Dean were then able to travel in their motorhome and see much of the United States.

After Dean passed away, Don was fortunate enough to find someone else with whom to share his life. Don and Hylance Golden were married September 1, 2001. They spent 15½ years happily married. Hylance said they never once had an argument.

Don was supportive of Mary and D.R. as they were going through school. He served as Odessa High School Band Booster President. He enjoyed attending Broncho football games. Don also served as a Gideon and was most proud of his involvement in this organization. He held many positions at First Church of God. From serving on the Board of Trustees to greeting and ushering, Don always felt so privileged to be used of God.

Don loved working in his wood shop. He was known for building beautiful wooden pens and belt buckles. He had a great love for his children and grandchildren and was always happy to see them.

Those who have gone before Don include his parents, his wife Dean, sisters--Jerry Costiloe and Dorothy Jones. Don’s domino playing, fishing buddies, special brother in laws Howard Jones, Don Costiloe, Casey Jones, Richard Woodson and Ronny Lightner have been waiting to play one more round or drop one more hook in the water.

Don is survived by his wife, Hylance Golden Mahan (Odessa). He is also survived by his daughter, son, stepson and their families-- Mary Mahan Janssen and husband David--their children Jonathan Janssen wife ZuAna and Jocelyn and Zayden. Anna Janssen Ormsby husband Philip and Dirk and Peyton (all of Odessa). D.R. Mahan and wife Melissa (San Antonio)--their children Austin Mahan wife Chelsea and soon to be Baby Boy Mahan (Broken Arrow, OK). Sara Mahan Hoxie husband Arthur and Evelyn and soon to be Baby Boy Hoxie. Stepson David Golden and wife Laura (LaGrange)—their children Brady Hunter wife Julie and Parish and Grayson (Bossier City, LA). Hunter Golden and wife Amber (San Antonio).

He is also survived by these siblings—Patricia Jones (Oklahoma City), Jane Woodson (Odessa), Paula Lightner (Possum Kingdom) Sandra Wheeler and Johnny (Possum Kingdom) and Warren Mahan and Marilyn (Chandler, AZ), and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Services are entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday at Hubbard Kelly 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral Service will be held at St. James Missionary Baptist Church (formally First Church of God) in Odessa Tuesday, January 24, 11:00am. Burial will take place at the Hardaway-McCann Cemetery in Norris, Oklahoma Friday, January 27, 1:00pm.

Dad was a wonderful husband, Dad, Pop/PawPaw and Great PawPaw. Dad was highly respected, a man of his word, never met a stranger and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a loving father who only wanted the best for us. He raised us well, he taught us to be independent, respectful and grateful for all we have. He was an awesome example for all. Dad you will be missed. We know that you are well and are rejoicing with the angels. I just wonder if you told God, “I’ve sat here just about as long as I can. I am ready to go home.”