Don Useph Abraham
January 28, 1929 - May 8, 2023

Nephew of one of the town's founders, Don was born to Useph and Marianna Abraham in Bristow, OK, the youngest of five children and only son. Leaving his oldest, married sister Agnes (Najla in Arabic) behind in Haskell, OK, Don moved back to his parents' homeland of Lebanon at age 3 along with his other sisters Jeanette, Louise, and Leatrice. In the village of Bdadoun, overlooking Beirut, Don enjoyed spending time with friends in the fruit groves and town square as he progressed in school, eventually earning a business certificate at the American University of Beirut. Don's father died young, so he relied on the love of support of his mother and his sisters during his youth. Upon graduation, he returned to Tulsa to pursue a career first as a computer operator at Service Pipeline, then as proprietor of The Phoenicia Restaurant, and finally in the promotional advertising business until age 87. As recently as this year, Don continued to run into customers from the Phoenicia Restaurant, enjoying discussing the great times and hospitality provided at his establishment.

Don often reflected that the Lebanese community in Bristow at the turn of the 20th century had not established a Maronite Catholic Church (eastern rite Catholic community from Mount Lebanon). So he was delighted to be part of righting that oversight. A man of faith, love, warmth and forgiveness, he helped found Saint Therese Maronite Catholic Church starting in 1996. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the church, located at 8315 S 107th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74133. Don was also a fan of sports, having played soccer while growing up in Lebanon. He and his son Joseph have been regular attendees at University of Tulsa football and basketball games for 27 years.

Don's greatest loves were his wife of 58 years Jacqueline, sons Joseph (spouse Christy) and John, grandsons Nicholas and Marc (mother Raya Almufti), and granddaughters Sadie, Maggie, and Violet. Four of his grandchildren are graduating from different levels of schooling next week and he was proud of them all. Now, Don's father, mother, sisters and many friends of 94 years have just recently seen him again in his heavenly home. An extended StoryCorp interview was recorded with Don describing his journey to Lebanon and back, available at < https://bit.ly/3nHwwvU >. Rosary at 7 pm, May 10th and funeral liturgy at 11 am, May 12, both at Saint Therese Church.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151