Donald Eugene Ivey of Edmond, Oklahoma passed away on September 25, 2020 at the age of 86. He was born on September 15, 1934 to W.C. and Pearl (Self) Ivey in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Leona F. Patterson on May 25, 1962 in Many, Louisiana. Don graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana with a degree in petroleum engineering. He worked for Dresser Magcobar for 38 years before retiring.
Don loved life and lived it well. He was known for his remarkable self-discipline, and commitment to eating well and walking four miles each day. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching both college and professional teams. He was OU football's biggest fan. Don was known for hosting big family fish fries and for his famous ribs. He liked honky tonk music and rarely lost a game of ping pong. He loved his yorkies and they loved him. Don's favorite place was his lake house in Texoma, and he treasured his days spent fishing and chatting with friends at the local "Enos Mall" diner. Don was so loved by his family and was always a calm and supportive mentor to his children and grandchildren. He was known for always reminding his grandkids to "make all A's," and he never got off the phone without saying, “I love you". Don wore many hats in life and wore them well. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and so much more. Don was a rare and special type of person who was kind, modest, and genuine. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Leona “Cookie” Ivey; children, Kelly Ivey Rodriguez and husband, David of McKinney, Texas and John C. Ivey and wife, Kathryn of Coalgate, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jennifer Walker and husband, Russell, Jay Jamison, Hannah Ivey, and Chris Rodriguez; great grandchildren, Laurel Ivey Walker and Marjorie “Georgie” Walker; numerous other loving family and friends; and Bo, his beloved Yorkie.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Pearl Ivey; stepmother Bessie Ivey; brothers, Carl Lee Ivey, Howard Ivey, J.C. Ivey, and Hugh Ivey; and sister, Rachel Ivey.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.