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Don Goode Garvin, former Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilman, 90, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023. He was born on February 6, 1933 near Hanson, Oklahoma. His parents were Ben "Tuff" Garvin and Elsie Gertrude Garvin. He had three sisters, Bernice Myers, Leola Acree (both deceased), Madanelle Kirk of Broken Arrow; and one brother, Herbert Garvin (deceased).
Don was married to his sweetheart, the love of his life, Jo Elaine Williamson on June 20, 1959 in Muskogee. He is survived by his wife Jo Elaine; daughter Jill Tipton and husband John; two granddaughters, Jennifer Arnold and husband Jerry, Jessica Anthis and husband Kevin; five great-grandchildren, Gracie Dawn Arnold, Alivia Jade Arnold, Elliot James Anthis, Elloise Lucille Anthis and Everett William Anthis, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Don was one of the descendants of George Blair and Nancy Blythe, both came to Indian Territory on the "Trail of Tears" and Obediah Benge and Margaret Blair.
He was a depression kid growing up during the depression days on a farm/ranch just east of Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Growing up he always wanted to be a cowboy, like "Gene and Roy". He was 14 before their home had electric power and indoor plumbing. He graduated from Central High School near Hanson, attended Connors Junior College, graduated from Oklahoma State University, and received a master's degree from Southeastern State University. Don worked three jobs at OSU and worked his way through college with the help of his parents. He graduated from the Basic Infantry Officers' School at Benning, Georgia. He attained the rank of Captain in the Air Force Reserves.
Don moved to Muskogee in 1955. He was a mathematics teacher and coach in Muskogee Public Schools for 36 years, and he also taught math at Sequoyah High School for 7 ½ years for a total of 43 ½ years in education. He was the league director for the Muskogee Knothole Baseball Association for two years. Additionally, Don was a rancher, real estate broker, home and swimming pool builder, and a deacon at Central Baptist Church.
After retiring from teaching, he was elected for four terms to serve on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council representing the Three Rivers District for 18 years. He was very proud of the $26,000,000 joint venture for the Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee. He was a member of all six committees, and every year he was elected to be co-chair of the Education Committee. He served as the secretary for the Tribal Council for 8 years. He loved serving the Cherokee citizens.
Don was actively involved in the community as well as being a member of many organizations. He served on the advisory board for Arvest Bank, co-chair of the Cherokee Nation Education Committee for 18 years, secretary of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, Trail of Tears, National Rifle Association, Five Civilized Tribes Inter-Tribal Council, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Education Association, Cherokee National Historical Society, National Association on Aging, Oklahoma Education Association, Murrow Indian Children's Home Board of Trustees, Connors State Alumni Association, Oklahoma State University Alumni Association and was a United States Army and Air Force veteran.
Public viewing for Don will be 1-5PM both Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 at Cornerstone Funeral Home.
Don's life will be celebrated at 10AM, Monday, July 3, 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. JT Carvell officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with military honors being presented.
Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1830 N. York Street, Muskogee, OK. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.
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