Donald L. Martray

Donald Lewis Martray, 87, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Friday, June 23 2023 with his loving family at this side. He was born August 17, 1935 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania to Anthony J. and Frances (Gioia) Martray where he attended public school. While in high school Don was a standout center and linebacker on the football team playing for the Cokers. He was an All-County as a center in 1952 and 1953. He was also UPI honorable mention and All-State in 1952 and UPI third team All-State in 1953. When Martray graduated from Connellsville in 1954 he began his college career at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. While there, he made his mark as a center and linebacker for the Indians. He was named outstanding freshman and honorable mention All-Conference center in 1955 and 1956. Don’s plan to move on from Bacone College was halted when he was drafted. He served his country as a member of the United States Army until 1960, receiving an honorable discharge. Don married the love of his life, Frances Shaver, on January 17, 1957 in Muskogee. They shared more than 65 years of life, marriage and memories together until Frances passed on June 5, 2022. Having started a life with Frances, Don began a 19-year career as fireman. As a side business, he owned Martray’s Paint and Body Shop. Don remained involved in sports where he started a Paul Young football league. He coached the Chiefs team for 20 years. He also coached little league baseball in Muskogee for many years. Don will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Frances Martray; wife, Frances Martray; sister, Frances Gebadlo; great-grandson, Oliver Childers; and his beloved dog, Rocky I. Don is survived by his sons, Tony Martray and wife Teresa of Catoosa, David Martray and wife Rhonda of Muskogee; his daughter, Terri Childers and husband Marc of Broken Arrow; grandchildren, Eric Martray and wife Isabel, Amy Hawke and husband Jonathan, Bryan Martray and wife Shanna, Lindsay Bauer and husband Ryan, Taylor Childers and husband Tyler, Jake Childers and wife Madelyn; great-grandchildren, Italo Martray, Aubrielle Hawke, Parker Hawke, Blakely Hawke, Jayden Martray, Josiah Martray, Molly Martray, Elizabeth Bauer, Vivienne Bauer, and Elleanor Bauer; his beloved dog, Rocky II; along with other family members. The family would like to express a very special “Thank You” to Gennie Hearn for the love and care shown to Don. Don’s life will be celebrated at 2PM, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ryan Bauer officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Firefighters honors being presented. Bryan Martray, Tyler Childers, Eric Martray, Jonathan Hawke, Jake Childers and Ryan Bauer will be serving as pallbearers.

Donald L. Martray

August 17, 1935 - June 23, 2023