Donald Preston Persall, age 82, of Newcastle, Oklahoma passed away Friday, June 28, 2013 after a short illness. He was born June 15, 1931 in Amarillo, Texas. He was one of four children born to Preston Ernest Persall and Myrtle Marie (Cargill) Persall. Don grew up and attended school in California. At the age of 16, he enlisted into the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 32 years active duty. He served during both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. On April 22, 1952, while on shore leave in Sanger, CA, Don married his childhood sweetheart, Ruby Lou McGrew. Together they raised four children, Laura, Larry, Karen and Donnie. After working as a Naval Recruiter in Minnesota, they made their home in Oklahoma City. He retired from the Navy in 1979. Shortly after, they moved to an acreage in Newcastle and realized their life-long dream of living in the country with horses, cattle, chickens and hogs. During this time he started a 2nd career as an electrician at Tinker Air Force Base. While at Tinker, Don started to College and earned his Associates Degree in Business Administration. Sometime after retiring from Tinker, he and Ruby moved into town in Newcastle where Don enjoyed spending time with his family and drinking coffee with his buddies at the feed store. He was a member of the Newcastle First Baptist Church for the past 20 years, a member of the Blanchard V.F.W. , and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Myrtle Persall, two Sisters, Ruby Rusche and Ruth Harrison, and one son, Larry Persall. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Persall of the home, one son Donnie Persall of Newcastle, and two daughters, Laura Culberson of Oklahoma City and Karen Taylor and husband Tommy of Newcastle. He is also survived by one brother, Jack and his family, nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host other relatives and friends. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandpa, and Papa, and will be missed by all.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the Newcastle First Baptist Church. A graveside service will precede the funeral service at 9:30 A.M. at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle.