Donald Lee Van Alstine Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on July 17, 2020 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Don was born in El Reno, Oklahoma and lived in various towns in western Oklahoma due to his father working for Southwestern Bell Telephone. He attended high school in El Reno, graduating in 1948. Don attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1949. While in college, Don was called for duty, serving two years in the Korean War earning a Bronze Star. After returning from the war, he settled in Alexandria, Louisiana due to a love of the people, food, and the area being a sportsman paradise. Don was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and water sports. He began his work career with Sears Roebuck as a tire salesperson in 1953. It is in Alexandria that he met and fell in love with Thera Dean Downs, marrying on December 24, 1954. In 1960, Sears moved Don to Muskogee, Oklahoma. From there his family lived in various cities throughout Texas and Kansas due to Sears relocations. His final position being store manager in Lake Jackson, Texas, retiring in 1989. Don and Deanie retired back to Muskogee, Oklahoma where they lived the rest of their lives. Don had a love and passion for flying and nothing gave him more pleasure than being a pilot. This passion was instrumental in Don directing and bringing large air shows to Davis Field in Muskogee for many years. He served as a Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol helping train young cadets while providing emergency air missions when needed. He was a member of the Rotary Club, serving as president. Don was a Shriner and enjoyed all the activities associated with the Shriner organization. Don is survived by his daughter Paula Furr and husband Stephen, and sons, Russell and wife Vivian, Darryl, and Kyle Van Alstine. Grandchildren Anna and husband Jason Moon, Eric Scott and wife Nicole and Taylor Furr and great-granddaughter Annabelle Scott. A graveside service will be 10AM, Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Donald Lee Van Alstine

January 26, 1930 - July 17, 2020

Obituary & Service

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Donald Lee Van Alstine

January 26, 1930 - July 17, 2020

Obituary & Service

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