Donald Ray Matlock

Donald Ray Matlock was born to Ralph Leonard and Wilma (Griffith) Matlock on May 15, 1935, at Cyril, OK and departed this life at his home in Devol, OK, on November 15, 2009, at the age of 74 years and 6 months. Don grew up at Geronimo, OK, where he graduated from high school. He married Mary Ellen Thomas on January 29, 1955, at Fletcher, OK. Don soon began a career in helicopter maintenance, starting at Ft. Sill, OK then on to Ft. Rucker, AL before transferring to Ft. Wolters at Mineral Well, TX. There he completed his 20 year career with Southern Airways as a Helicopter Maintenance Superintendent. He moved his family to Walters, OK, in 1974, where he and Mary owned and operated Don and Mary's Florist for several years. They moved to Duncan and eventually Lawton where they were employed at City and County Flowers. In 1994 they made their home in Devol and Don drove a truck for Lee Wholesale Florist out of Wichita Falls for 10 years. Don served his country honorably as he was called to active duty 2 times as a sergeant in the Army National Guard. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Devol and enjoyed doing all that he could for the church. He was a perfectionist and loved taking care of flowers and doing yard work. He also enjoyed taking care of the goats and donkey, as well as, harassing the grandchildren. Don also maintained his interest in helicopters through the years. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, James Matlock in August of 2007. Survivors include his wife Mary of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Truman Ferguson of Ardmore, OK; 7 grandchildren, Bryan and wife Ashley, Stefanie, Ashley, Jayme, MacKenzie, Quinton and Trevor; a great granddaughter, Cambree; other relatives and many friends.