Don O’Steen

Don Michael O’Steen, age 69 and a long-time resident of the Seminole county area, passed away at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City on September 23, 2019.  He passed away from this life as a hero for one last time while saving his granddaughter during a tragic accident at his home.

A memorial service with military honors is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 11th (Veteran’s Day) at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel of Konawa, Oklahoma.  Rev. Ed Bray and Rev. Mitch Williams will officiate, and instrumentalists and vocalists are Jerome Snider, Debbie Williams, and Wynema Merrell.

Don was born September 6, 1950 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Harold Chester O’Steen and Wanda Juanita (Colson) O’Steen.  

He proudly served in the U.S. Army, and was wounded in Vietnam in the early 1970’s.  He received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marksmanship Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and the Purple Heart Medal.  Don received a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern University in Durant, Oklahoma and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Oklahoma University.  

Don married Anita Kay Shirley, and they were blessed with five children.  He was a life-long coach and an elementary principal for many years.  He loved to play golf and to travel.  He was a humble man who loved God, and strived to live like Jesus.  His wife, Anita was his best friend, and they enjoyed laughing and just being together.

He is survived by his wife, Anita O’Steen of Maud, Oklahoma; his mother, Wanda O’Steen of Enos, Oklahoma; three sons, Kelby Moore and fiancé, Delila Loftis of Maud, Rick Moore and wife, Jamie of Norman, Oklahoma, and Brendon O’Steen and wife, Ashtin of Bowlegs, Oklahoma; two daughters, Carla Fincher and husband, Derek of Ringling, Oklahoma, and Christi Wilkinson and husband, Gerald of Ravia, Oklahoma; two brothers, Harold Chester O’Steen , Jr. Of Lebonnan, Oklahoma, and Tommy O’Steen and wife, Joyce of Marrietta, Oklahoma;  one sister, Kathy (O’Steen) Lott and husband, Rick of Enos, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, Chance, Chelsea, Taylor, Coltin, Kysen, Rebel, Karley, Tyren, Baron, and Paetyn; and three great grandchildren, Slade Nallen Wilkinson, Axel Don Wright, and Skyler Price.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Chester O’Steen; grandson, Ricky Don Moore, III; and one sister-in-law, Laverne O’Steen.

The family is grateful for all the texts, calls, visits, and help received during this difficult time, and a register book is available for signing at the funeral home in Konawa.