Don Wright McAdams joined the Lord in heaven on November 16, 2014.
Don was born on Feb. 23, 1926 in Okmulgee to Thomas and Alma (McFarland) McAdams. Don was a graduate of Okmulgee High School and proudly served in the Marines during World War II and the Army in the Korean War. Don graduated from the University of Oklahoma and was a very involved alumni for much of his life. While at OU Don was initiated into the Sigma Chi Fraternity and remained a devoted life long member.
While at OU, Don met the love of his life Eva Lee Jochem. They shared a loving marriage for more than 66 years until her passing in August. Don was so very proud of his daughter Gwen and son Danny and their accomplishments.
Shortly after Gwen was born, Don moved to Tulsa and joined his father-in-law Alphonse in running the Tulsa Paper Co. He continued there for more than 35 years until his retirement in 1982. He served many roles over the years contributing to the sales and growth of the company.
Don and Eva spent most of their retirement years in Claremore as they hosted grandchildren on their farm and became involved in many civic organizations including a role in fundraising for what is now Rogers State College. In 2003 Don and Eva moved back to Tulsa to spend their remaining years in Montereau Retirement Community where Don was active with several committees and volunteer work.
Don is remembered as having an amazing voice and used that in many church choirs over the years. He most enjoyed golfing and attending OU football games with Eva and the family. He taught each of his grandkids something different and they will cherish all of those special memories.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Alma McAdams, his wife of 66 years Eva Lee Jochem McAdams, daughter Gwen McAdams Ward, son Don Dan McAdams his brother, Thomas Phiness McAdams and sister Betty McAdams Gandy. Don is survived by his four loving grandchildren Charles (Anne) Ward IV of Juneau, Alaska and Thomas Ryan McAdams, Peter (Tiffany) McAdams and Elizabeth (Brian) Ward Carroll, all of Tulsa. His daughter-in-law Susan McAdams, four nieces and nephews and five great-grandchildren, all who brought a shining light to his life in the last few years, also survive him.
Services along with a Sigma Chi White Rose Ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Kirk of the Hills. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Montereau Benevolent Fund or the
University of Oklahoma Foundation.