Donald Eugene McClure, or Don to his family and friends, was born on December 20th, 1946, in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Charlie and Lois M. (Ritchie) McClure. He was raised with two sisters, Charlene Shaffer and Norma Sue Brady. He went to school at Tahlequah High School and when he finished his education, he began his working career as a Machinist at ACME Engineering, a job he held for most of his working career of 28 years.
He started dating Ms. Shirley Ann Hendricks and often rode up on his best horse, “Ole Joe”. Shirley must have been impressed, because she said I do on May 29th, 1965, and became Mrs. Donald McClure. This love lasted for 60 years of memories and laughter. Together, they raised two sons and one daughter, Donald James, Darryl Len, and Gwenette Sue. When he wasn’t working, he was headed for home, he had chickens to tend and a garden to weed. On Saturday evenings he and Shirley loved going to Crescent Valley Jamboree for an evening filled with good music. He loved a day spent hunting deer or doing a little fishing at his favorite creek. He loved watching rodeo, mainly PRCA and PBR and a good western wasn’t out of the question. His family was his pride and joy, and he loved watching his five grand and 10 great grandchildren growing up in the family. He was so proud of them, and any chance he got to watch them at activities was good by Don. He liked people and never skipped saying hi when he was out and about. He had a great smile and never knew a stranger. A Christian by faith, he was a member of Crescent Valley Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended during his lifetime. For all the plans he still had to fulfill, the Lord called this good and faithful servant home from his many labors on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the family that he loved the most in this world. Don was 78 years old and leaves behind a world of memories of love, laughter and family.
He has gone home to his grandparents, his mother and father, and other family members.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Shirley McClure of the home in Tahlequah, and three children, Donald James McClure and wife Jenifer of Ft. Gibson, OK, Darryl Len McClure and wife Wendee of Tahlequah, OK, and Gwenette Sue McClure of Tahlequah, OK. He has two sisters, Charlene Shaffer of Ft. Gibson, OK, and Norma Sue Brady and husband Chuck of Frisco, TX.
Don (Pops) lives on in his grandchildren, Samantha McClure and Dale, Jessica McClure and Brindalen, Wyatt McClure and Bailee, Blake Reynolds, and Dillon Rainbolt and Dallas. He also leaves his 10 great grandchildren, Kyle McClure, Keegan Russell, Lucy McClure, Lincoln McClure, Lux McClure, Ledger McClure, Addison Rainbolt, Ryan Rainbolt, Colton Wilson and Jaxon Rainbolt, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.
Funeral services for Donald Eugene McClure will be conducted on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Brother Chadd Pendergraft officiating. The family will have a visitation on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel. Don will be laid to rest at Holland Cemetery in Cherokee County, OK.
Pallbearers for Don include: Wyatt McClure, Dillon Rainbolt, DeWayne Hendricks, Joe Ballard, Dale Russell, Colton McFarland, and Daylon Hendricks. Honorary Pallbearers include Marty Moss, Rick Moss, Mike Bennett, Chad McFarland, John Stanley, Rufus Hendricks, Brady Gilliam, Jay Stinnett, Steven Ritchie, and Jimmy Ritchie.
