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Nathan Robert Donley was born to Otis Elmer and Elon Minnie (Melhuish) Donley on July 8, 1935 at his grandparents house near Cestos, OK. He passed from this life on January 31, 2019 at the age of 83.
Nate went to school at Battle Ridge and Oak Grove country schools before attending Seiling High School, graduating with the Class of 1955.
Nate married Darlene LeCrone on February 11, 1961. He became an instant Dad to Darlene’s two girls, Diane and Sheila. Roberta Darlene, Raymond Gale, and Glen Leslie were soon added to the family. They lived for several years at Cestos before moving to Alva and later Cherokee.
When his father passed away, Nate moved back to the family farm north of Chester to take care of his mother. After her passing he moved to his current house just a mile away. He lived there and in Enid with his companion of many years Virginia Tatro.
Nate was very involved with the Major County Historical Society. He helped build the new community building in Chester and spent many long and happy hours working for and with his many friends and neighbors. He was always there to help out for any occasion and especially loved Christmas in the Park and the monthly game night in Chester. He always had something to say and loved being in his words “just plain ornery.” He loved wearing his favorite cap “Genuine Antique, Not a Reproduction.” He also loved being involved in the Thrashing Bee at Fairview.
He had several jobs throughout his life including driving a truck, working in service stations, and he worked with an electrician after completing electrician school. He worked at Alva Concrete, the Alva Bakery, and NWOSU. He sold and repaired vacuum cleaners. Nate also worked at the Cherokee Light Plant and Pony Express. He had his own insulation company. He retired from Major County. He took care of his cattle while working these jobs, until he could retire to being a full time farmer.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his only brother, Elvin DeLoss “Don” Donley, wife Darlene, and a grandson Mitch.
Keeping his memory alive are his children, Roberta Grapes and husband Larry of Chester, Raymond Donley of Cherokee, and Glen Donley and wife Laurie of Alva, Dianne Ridgway and husband Merle of Alva, and Sheila Rodkey and husband Mike of Alva; Grandchildren Donna Thomas, Leota Grapes, John Grapes, Josh Wingenbach, Jackie Hawkins, Jay Doughit, Mindy Sager, Michelle Trevort, Emily Rodkey, Sarah Schwerdtfeger; twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, his loving companion, Virginia and his sister-in-law Evelyn “Marie” Donley, as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends and co-workers.
Memorial Services for Nathan Donley will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Elm Grove Community Church in Chester, OK with Pastor Orville White presiding. Burial was held prior at Brumfield Cemetery all under the direction of Redinger Funeral Home.
Memorial donations in Nathan’s honor may be made to the Chester Community Building with Redinger Funeral Home (Box 236, Seiling, OK 73663) serving as custodian of the funds.
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