Donald Matlock's Obituary
Donald Eugene Matlock, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away on June 11, 2019. Don was also lovingly known as “Mike”, Daddy and Grandpa. Don was born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana on June 29, 1933 to Zeffie and David Matlock as one of five children. He graduated high school in Plain Dealing in 1951 and enrolled at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (now Louisiana Tech) to study Engineering. Don was the first in his family to go to college and paid his own way. When money was tight, he put his education on hold and joined the Air Force, where he started training to become a Flying Cadet. Don’s career with the Air Force was cut short by a car accident that inflicted serious burns and compromised his eyesight. Don was then able to return to his studies under the GI bill, enrolling at Northwestern University (Louisiana) where his bride-to-be was studying Nursing. He graduated with a BS in Accounting in the spring of 1959 and married Nell Davis that summer. Don went to work in the oil and gas industry with Arkansas Fuel Oil Corporation in Shreveport, Louisiana. As opportunities presented themselves in the early years of his career, Don moved his family to Longview, Texas, Bartlesville and ultimately to Tulsa in 1964. Don was a loyal employee and respected manager. He stayed with Arkansas Fuel Oil Corporation throughout his career – even after it was acquired by Cities Service Company and, later, Occidental Petroleum Corporation. Don was a loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend. Don was perhaps best known for his handyman skills – he could repair almost anything and everything and delighted in supporting his children with all manner of help with painting, wallpapering, plumbing and other general repair. When not tinkering with one thing or another he was an avid water-skier and fisherman, spending many weekends and summers at Lake Tenkiller. He loved watching all sports and, in particular, his beloved Oklahoma Sooners. Don was a 32nd Degree Mason and Member of the Scottish Rite.Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nell Davis Matlock and his two daughters: Kimberly Matlock Page of Dallas (and husband Alan) and Malinda Matlock Zelesnikar of Edmond (and husband Scott). Don has 4 grandchildren: Lauren Page Coffman of Dallas (and husband John), Kathryn Page of Chicago, and Luke and Alex Zelesnikar of Edmond. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Matlock Keith of Bossier City, LA and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bobby and Roger Matlock, and his sister Margaret Matlock Mitchell. A graveside service will be held at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens on June 14 at 10:00 AM officiated by Don’s nephew, James Mitchell, Lead Minister of St. Timothy on the Northshore United Methodist Church in Mandeville, Louisiana. Memorial donations may be made to the The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy485 Half Day Rd.Suite 350Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?