Donald Richard Shackelford was born on January 24, 1939 at Cat Springs near Boone, Oklahoma to Edward and Mary Shackelford. He passed peacefully from this earth at his home in the Slick Hills, which he affectionately called "God's Country," surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 9, 2021.
Don grew up in the Slick Hills and attended Apache Schools. He graduated with the Class of 1957. He married Ronnie Sue (Griggs) in 1959. He fathered and raised four sons of whom he was so proud. He married Melinda Pair in 1985 and acquired two little girls who adored him and, in his words, "wormed their way into his heart."
He worked as an electrician from the age of 18 to 82. He was a master of his trade. He was the co-owner of D&M Electric with his son, Mike, from 1989 until his retirement in January 2021.
Known by his children as "Pops" and by his grandchildren as "Papa Shack," Don was all about his family. He greatly enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting with his wife, kids and grandkids. He loved life and tried to live it to the fullest. He rarely complained and always saw the good in everyone. He had an infectious smile and was quick with a joke. He knew the Bible like the back of his own hand, and always had words of wisdom when you needed advice. He didn't always like all of us all the time, but he always loved us.
Don is survived by his wife, Melinda, of the home; 3 sons: Mike Shackelford of Meers, OK, Robin Shackelford of Paradise Valley, OK, and Gary and Melanie Shackelford of Paradise Valley, OK; 2 daughters: Jessica Lindsey of the Slick Hills and Sarah and Jamie Dubois of Anadarko; daughter-in-law, Heather Shackelford of Medicine Park, OK; 10 grandchildren: Jessica Davenport, Jennifer Whittaker, Adrianna Dye, Braeden Shackelford, Danna Shackelford, Joely Lindsey, Travis Lindsey, Tommy Don Shackelford, Jaxson Lindsey, and Kingston Dubois; and 8 great grandchildren: Ashlynn, Jerran and Gracie Davenport, Colton and Lucas Whittaker, and Chloe, Greyson and Liam Dye.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings, Larry and Linda; son, Thomas Russell Shackelford; daughter-in-law, Jill Shackelford; and grandson, Jaidon Dubois.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 14, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Crews Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 15, at 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Apache with Pastor Jon Syverson assisted by Les Claborn. Graveside services will immediately follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Crews Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.crewsfh.com.
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