Donnie Lee Crownover

Donnie Lee Crownover, born on June 19, 1940, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. He was the cherished son of Lloyd M. and Pearl (Pointer) Crownover. Donnie's early years were marked by academic and athletic excellence. He graduated from Henryetta High School in 1958 and went on to attend Tulsa University on a football scholarship. In 1960, Donnie transferred to East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, where he played football under the legendary coach Elvan George. As a versatile player, he excelled as both a defensive back and quarterback and was ranked third in the nation for punting. Donnie graduated from ECU in 1963 and later pursued further education at Northeastern State University, where he earned a master’s degree. Donnie's passion for sports extended into his professional life. After graduating from college, he embarked on a coaching career that took him to Oswego, Kansas, Checotah, Oklahoma, and Haskell, Oklahoma. For the next 15 years, he dedicated his talents to Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, where he served as the head baseball coach and girls' basketball coach. Under his guidance, the 1968-69 baseball team became conference champions, and the 1970-71 team attended both regional and national tournaments. Donnie was honored as the girls' basketball team’s "Coach of the Year" for the 1977-78 season. Beyond coaching, Donnie officiated both high school and college football and girls' basketball for 20 years, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to sports and mentorship. In his later years, Donnie transitioned into the insurance industry, developing a pre-paid legal insurance program in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 1982, he returned to Oklahoma and spent 20 years working for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau as a claims adjuster. Donnie was an avid sportsman, participating in fishing tournaments throughout the 1970s and securing championships in 1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1978. Known for his hospitality, he loved entertaining family, friends, and coworkers with fish fries. His other passions included hunting, golfing, attending sporting events, especially football, and watching televised games. A lover of animals, particularly baby animals, Donnie enjoyed watching animal programs on TV and was often seen riding around on his golf cart, meeting and visiting neighbors. He was a member of the Oklahoma Association of Sports Officials and the Jim Thorpe Athletic Award Committee. He was also a Shriner and a Master Mason. He was of the Baptist faith. Donnie Lee Crownover will be remembered for his dedication to sports, his love for family and friends, and his infectious enthusiasm for life. His legacy of mentorship, camaraderie, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Pearl Crownover; stepfather, Mose Boyd; and his brother, Lloyd M. “LM” Crownover Jr. Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Ann Black Crownover of the home; his son, Pete Crownover of Ada, Oklahoma; daughter, Coby Crownover West and husband Steve of Ardmore, Oklahoma; brother, Jim Crownover and wife Jane of Muskogee; grandchildren, Stephen West and wife Mariah, Jessi West, and Luke West; great-grandchildren, Mason West and Julie West; along with other family members and friends. Donnie’s life will be celebrated at 11AM, Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Muskogee.

Donnie Lee Crownover

June 19, 1940 - March 10, 2025