Donald R. Perkins

Donald Ray Perkins, 60, of rural Wann, Oklahoma, died Monday, May 8, 2023. Don was born September 5, 1962, a twin, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Stanley Arthur and Mary Lou (Claypool) Perkins. He, along with all of his siblings, grew up in Noxie, running around those old dirt roads. He was educated at Wann Public Schools. At 14 years old, he started working for Floyd Fitzsimmons. A child, driving a semi, a tractor and just trying to learn anything and everything about farming and driving a semi. He loved driving, especially those long hauls. He then, in 1988, went to work for Aptus in Coffeyville. He worked there until he decided in 1999 to go to work for Wal-Mart Trucking, where he had over 2 million safety miles. Don met Suzanne Deaton, and in December of 1985, the couple married. The following December, they welcomed their first child, Lindsey Suzanne, then in 1989, they had Katy Don. He loved his children so very much. He was an excellent father and provider and his daughters will always be grateful for him for that. In 1991, Don accepted Jesus into his heart. His mother, Mary, prayed the sinner’s prayer with him, and from that point on, Don’s name was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He loved his Lord and Savior. He would share his testimony and his love for God with anyone and everyone that would listen. He was so proud to be a changed man! When Don wasn’t working, which wasn’t often, he loved BBQ’ing on smokers that he built himself and racing. He loved drag racing and anything Mopar! He built his own drag car but later, sold it, to spend more time at home with his family. He also loved taking his girls to church camp and any other church activity. He and his running partner, Mema (Carol), spent many, many hours in the church van driving kids all over, trying to make sure the kids learned about God. In 2003, Don welcomed another daughter, Alairia. Although she wasn't “his”, she was. He and Alairia spent a lot of time together mowing, running errands, and watching Forrest Gump. Don and Suzanne later divorced and a couple of years later, Don married Janice Haire. The couple spent 10 years together, mostly farming, until his passing. The couple spent many, many hours in the hayfield and taking care of the cattle. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law; sister-in-law Judy Moore; brother-in-law Kevin Moore; brother-in-law David Haire; stepson Steven Lawhorn; brother-in-law Joe Rinkenbaugh; brother-in-law Robert King; brother-in-law Gene McDowell. He is survived by his wife Janice, of the home; daughters Lindsey McClain (Jason) and Katy Rivers (Shelldon); stepdaughter Brianna Nelson (Nash); grandchildren Abbigail Hoover, Jude Rivers, Jemma McClain, Brody Nelson, and one on the way; brother Billy Perkins (Johnnie); sisters Suzie McDowell, Pearl Gilbert (Mark), Judy King, Connie Stall (Harold), Sandy Rinkenbaugh and twin Donna Loeffelholz (Tim); and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind many, many friends. Donald leaves behind so many people that loved him so dearly!

Donald R. Perkins

September 5, 1962 - May 8, 2023