Donald Ray Harrel, director and former owner of Bank of Western Oklahoma, died at Weatherford Regional Hospital on Friday, September 26, 2008, following a quick and courageous battle with cancer. He blessed and honored us with his presence for 77 years 8 months and 4 days.

Donald was born on January 22, 1931, at his parents' home place near Leedey, Oklahoma, to the late Lance and Clara Harrel. His early years were spent in the Canadian community where he worked on the family ranch as he grew up. He attended Liberty Center School and often recalled fond memories of life during those times. Donald said that he dropped out of school after two days. He recalled that the teachers told him the first day that 2+2 = 4 and the second day that 1+3 = 4. He said that he decided they couldn't make up their minds and didn't know what they were talking about so he quit.

On May 24, 1953, he was united in marriage to Dolores Irene Rice in Rhea, OK. They made their home in Leedey and started a family. Donald and Dolores were blessed with the births of their three children; Terry Don, Joey Ray, and Marsha Lyn.

Soon after Donald's marriage, beginning in August 1954, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. After serving in the army he continued to farm and ranch around Leedey. He worked in the post office from 1962 to 1966. He then became postmaster at Leedey in 1966 and continued his career there until 1980.

Donald was baptized into the Liberty Center church and on April 12, 1970 he became a member of the First Baptist Church in Leedey.

Donald was a true rancher in every respect. He enjoyed every phase of buying cattle, grazing and feeding them as well as other routine tasks involved in preparing the livestock for market. Donald was noted for his love of agriculture and was presented with an Honorary State FFA Degree. But more importantly Donald was a strong supporter of purchasing 4-H and FFA livestock at premium auctions. He believed in providing our children with an opportunity to have a future in agriculture.

His keen instincts for business and the economic environment earned respect among his friends, peers and associates who often sought his advice and opinion about decisions in this area. In 1987, he became an owner and partner in the Bank of Western Oklahoma. A lifelong member of this area and community, Donald was involved, often behind-the-scenes, in preserving and improving western Oklahoma and its way of life. He was fundamental in bringing new sidewalks, the fire station, and the medical clinic to Leedey. He always strived to make Leedey a better place for the future generations and to keep it a top notch community.

He was appointed to the Oklahoma State Banking Board by Governor David Walters and served as a member from 1992 to 1997. For his honorable service in the United States Armed Forces and for outstanding service and loyalty to the United States of America Donald met the strict requirement set forth by the Congress of the United States for membership in the American Legion. Donald made his father very proud when he studied hard to become a 3rd Degree Mason, with his father's encouragement.

Many people will remember Donald for his quick wit and remarkable sense of humor. He was a great storyteller. A gleam in his eye and his familiar chuckle indicated that he was reminded of a joke or a funny story that he could tell so well. He possessed the winning quality of being able to use humor to defuse many kinds of situations. He never took himself so seriously as to think that he was better than anyone else, but rather he often spoke of his admiration or respect for others.

Donald loved life and could find humor in about every aspect of it! He never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell! Donald had a passion for farming and ranching. He loved spending time on his farms or driving around the country side looking at his cattle. Donald spent the best years of his life in Leedey, Oklahoma. It was where he attended school, raised his family, and a place he always considered home.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents, were his loving wife, Dolores; one sister, Myrtle Pauline Harrel; two brothers, Elvin Lawrence Harrel; Lance Orville Harrel, Jr.; and two infant brothers.

Donald's legacy will be passed on by his three children, Terry Don and wife Vickie Harrel of Leedey; Joey Ray and wife Krystal Harrel of Vici; Marsha Lyn and husband Maurice Barry of Tuttle; six grandchildren, Cody Don and wife Robin Harrel of Leedey; Joshua Glenn and wife Annie Harrel of Owasso; Zachary Joe and wife Emily Harrel of Enid; Kristi Dolores and husband Eric Eyster of Thomas; Colby Reece Barry and Hunter Ray Barry of Tuttle; five great-grandchildren, Maddie Gaile Harrel of Leedey; Lillian Dolores Harrel and Cooper Glenn Harrel of Owasso; Elijah Joe Harrel of Enid; Evan Donald Eyster of Thomas; one sister, Clara Oleta Harrel of Cyril; one brother, Celo Jackson "Jackie" and Jo Harrel of Stillwater. He also leaves behind a close cousin, business partner, confidant, friend, and special couple in Jimmy and Marilyn Harrel. He will be missed by a number of close cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, as well as a host of friends.