Donald Thomason's Obituary
Don Thomason peacefully entered his heavenly home May 5, 2023, after a six year struggle with kidney disease. He was born November 20, 1947, in Fresno, California to Earvin and Ada Thomason, joining two brothers, Bill and Bob, and sister, Phyllis. Not long after, the family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Earvin took a job at Douglas Aircraft. Don attended Tulsa Public Schools, graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967, serving at Pease AFB, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent before honorable discharge.
Don returned to Tulsa and attended Tulsa Tech. He was employed at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital in the computer department, a job he held for 30 years. While at OOH he met Karen Gile, who became his wife of 45 years on November 26, 1977.
Don was an avid spelunker with his best buddy, Charles Drury. According to Karen he acquired way, way too many rocks! Don and Charles traversed many miles of caves in Oklahoma and Arkansas, with a few questionable escapades along the way. Don had a keen interest in ancestry and traced both the Thomason and Mineo family lines for several generations. He was an avid race car follower, going to both Indy and NASCAR races with his brother, Bob. Don and Karen had fun traveling and spending time with family and friends. They enjoyed three cruises and a trip to Europe. Although they did not have children, they had a bird, Pepper, and two dogs, Scout and Marlowe – close enough!
Don and Karen were active in Tulsa churches through the years, joining South Tulsa Baptist Church in 2019.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Earvin and Ada. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen, brothers Bill (Nancy), Bob (Gloria) and sister Phyllis (Charles) Penland, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday May 10, at Floral Haven Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 11 at 2:00 in the Chapel of South Tulsa Baptist Church with Dr. Eric Costanzo and Rev. Tom Branch officiating. Don will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Cemetery.
Contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation 30 E 33rd St., New York City, NY 10016
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?
