Adonis Ray (Don) Peoples was born in a dugout near Webb, OK on November 21, 1935. He was the first born child of Willard Adonis Peoples and Lois Arnold Peoples. His early childhood was spent in the Webb area surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Times were hard in those depression days and Don's parents, along with many other Oklahomans, made the decision to move to California with the hope of making a better life for themselves. In 1938 Don's sister, Thelma Jean was born. The family stayed in California until the late l930's when they moved back to Oklahoma. Don started to school at Webb, and then moved to Riverview, and later to Vici. He said he learned how to get on and off the school bus and salute the flag in first grade. During Don's second grade his parents bought a farm southeast of Sharon and the family moved to the Sharon area where they continued to live until retirement. In 1947 Don's youngest sister, Linda Joan was born. Don graduated high school from Sharon with the class of l953. He was a talented athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and pitching horseshoes. Don grew up on Persimmon Creek and developed a love for fishing and hunting at an early age. While in high school Don met and began dating Leila Osborn from Camargo. On November 27, 1953 they were married in the Camargo Christian Church. Don & Leila established their first home south of Sharon. The plan was to farm, ranch, & raise a good garden. Farm life did not prove very profitable for the young couple so they decided to further their education at Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK. Tuition was $45/semester and you rented your books. College housing was $27 per month for a 1 bedroom apartment, bills paid. Don worked at the college dairy and Leila worked at the library. Salary was 45₵ per hour. They completed 2 years of college before learning they were expecting their first child. The decision was made for Don to quit college and find a job to support his new family. They moved to Guymon where Don got a job as a roustabout for United Producing Oil Company. Their first son, Arnold Ray was born October 28, l956; another son, Alan Dale, was born December 15, l958; and Eric Shane was born August 22, l964. Don continued in the oil business working his way up to production foreman for Ashland Oil. In 1977 after Arnold & Alan graduated Guymon High School, Don, Leila & Eric moved to Vici where Don continued to work for Ashland Oil as a consultant. In 1978, Don encouraged a fellow employee of Ashland Oil, Gene VanCampen, to move to Vici and they established the consulting firm of VanCampen & Peoples. A short while later they established a roustabout company, Bulldog Construction. In the mid l980's, when the oil boom was declining, Don bought Gene's share of the business and continued the businesses until l990 when he made the decision to close the businesses and go back to his roots of farming and ranching.

In his quest for farm machinery, Don began attending auctions and buying used farm equipment. He also began buying antique furniture. This sparked an earlier interest in woodworking and refinishing furniture, a hobby he pursued as long as his health permitted. Desiring more land on which to run cattle he also began a search for a farm. That search was ended when in 1992 he purchased the Jum Poulson farm northeast of Vici. At the time, none of the family realized how this would impact their lives. In 1996 Don & Leila sold their home in Vici and moved to the farm which in time became Happy Hollow. Then in addition to farming and ranching, Don & Leila began remodeling and adding onto the original house which was built in the early l930's. This was an on and off project: work for a while, play for a while, which continued as long as Don's health permitted.

Don and his family worked hard and played hard. They spent many summers camping in Colorado and spending time at Canton Lake. After Don and Leila retired they enjoyed traveling and bought a place at Canton Lake both of which brought them much enjoyment and made many wonderful memories. Meanwhile they continued improving and enjoying the home, ponds, hunting, and life that Happy Hollow offered them and their extended family. Each time they would return following a vacation, Don would remark, "Happy Hollow is the best vacation spot we have ever found!"

Don was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000, but he continued an active lifestyle until 2013 when his health gradually began to decline. With the help and moral support of family and dedicated caregivers Don remained at his beloved Happy Hollow until August of 2022 when conditions necessitated he move to Vici Nursing Home. He was there for a short time before entering the Woodward Hospital for a period of 8 weeks, and then returning to Vici Nursing Home until his passing.

Don was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was with wisdom and authority. He however, did have some sayings which became commonplace to his kids and grandkids. Don had a very subtle sense of humor which would surface at times. Don taught by example a love of hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature; respect and love of God, family, and fellowman; and the value of hard work and play.

Don was truly blessed! He dearly loved his family and following and participating in their activities. He was blessed with a loving extended family, most of who lived close enough to visit often. He had many long time and new friends. Don & Leila enjoyed many years of working, playing, and experiencing life. They recently celebrated their 69 ^th wedding anniversary!

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Willard & Lois Peoples, His mother & father-in-law, Ora & Lela Osborn, and great grandson, Abel Don Peoples.

Don is survived by his wife, Leila; sons, Arnold, who resides at Happy Hollow; Alan & wife Andrea, Piedmont, OK; Eric & wife Donna, Vici, OK. Grandchildren: Jacob Peoples & friend Lauren, Enid, OK; Kelson Peoples & wife Laura, Blanchard, OK; Kelby Peoples & wife Jessica, Cordell, OK; Sarah & husband Chad Endres, Piedmont, OK; Blair & husband Nash Poulter, Enid, OK; Clare Peoples, Enid, OK. Ten great grandchildren with another due in May. Sisters: Jean Stahlman, Fargo, OK; Linda & husband Cecil Guthrie, Sharon, OK. Many nephews, nieces and other extended family, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be made to:

Vici-Camargo EMS

or to the charity of your choice

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

PO Box 276

Vici, OK  73859