Donald M Fleming

Donald Mence Fleming was born February 9, 1932 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to John Alfred and Rosetta Mence Fleming, the fifth of eleven children. Reared and nurtured in a Christian environment, Donald Mence accepted Christ at a young age when he joined and was baptized at the Mount Olive Baptist Church of Holdenville, OK. Just as several of his brothers and sisters, he also sang in the choir and had a wonderful voice. A man of integrity, compassion and love, Donald was conservative with his words but generous with his deeds. He was known for his heart warming eyes and captivating smile.

Donald attended Lincoln Vocational High School from elementary through High School and graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1951. He was also a standout member of the football team. Upon graduating from high school, Donald attended Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, for two years where he excelled in the classroom as well as on the football field as a star quarterback.

Upon leaving Langston University and prior to enlisting the in the U.S. Air Force on January11, 1954, Donald married the love of his life, Thelma Knighton on January 5, 1954. To this union were born three children; two daughters, Loretta Lajune, Darnelda Doraine and one son Gerald Scott. Donald’s expansive military career in the Air Force enabled his family to experience life in many different locations at home and countries abroad. Family tours of duty included such places as Eagle Pass, Texas, Germany, California, Turkey, Kansas and Montana. Donald served isolated tours of duty without his family in San Antonio Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, Japan, Tripoli, and Icela,nd. He served twenty-three years in the Air Force in the areas of supply and logistics. Donald was discharged honorably from the Air Force on September15, 1978 due to medical reasons. He served during both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and retired as a Master Sergeant.

Upon his retirement from the military in Great Falls Montana, Donald moved his family back to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1979. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service, the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and Tinker Air Force Base for several years thereafter. While working, he enrolled at Oscar Rose Jr. College in Midwest City, OK, where he was listed twice on the President’s Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA. Donald subsequently transferred to Langston University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Donald was a skilled craftsman and carpenter just like his dad.

Donald was an active member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Holdenville, Oklahoma where he was ordained as a Deacon served on the Deacon Board. Donald also taught Sunday School many years in addition to serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and most recently served as a Sunday School teacher as well as Chairman of the Deacon Board at the Paradise Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK and was a faithful member of the Brotherhood until his health began to fail him. He was also a member of the American Legion.

As his health progressively worsened, his family devoted themselves to ensuring that he had the best of care. On Monday December 24, 2012 Donald Mence Fleming, knowing that his beloved wife Thelma and their children were all together once again, stepped into the chariot dispatched for him by his Heavenly Father and departed this life in exchange for his heavenly mansion, there to one day reunite with his family. He is predeceased by his parents, grandparents, Sister Mary Ruth, Sister Jean Lou Moss and Brothers James W. and Earl Wendell Fleming.

Remaining to celebrate his home going are his wife Thelma Fleming, OKC, OK; son Gerald Scott Fleming, OKC,OK; daughters Loretta Lajune Hatch McCarver, Toledo,OH; Darnelda Doraine (John) Walter, Dayton, OH; his brothers John Alfred (Rosia) Fleming, Jr., Austin, TX; Rev. Joe B. (Johnnie) Fleming, Portsmouth, VA; Lee Edward (Robbie) Fleming, OKC,OK; sisters Wanda Fleming Johnson, OKC, OK; Sammye Rose (Ambrose) Jackson, Omaha, NE; Bee Be Dell (Robert) Telfair, Virginia Beach, VA; sisters-in-law Gladys C. Fleming, Richmond, VA; Earline P. Fleming, Altus, OK; and Joyce Fleming, OKC, OK; seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant…”

WELL DONE!!