Donald Lee Stobaugh

Donald Lee Stobaugh, Sr., 91, passed from this life on December 11, 2019, at his home near Jennings, Oklahoma.

Don was born on March 20, 1928, in Kinta, Oklahoma, He was the son of Delmar William and Viola (Johnson) Stobaugh. His childhood years were spent in Shattuck, Oklahoma, Woodward, Oklahoma, and Montana, where he graduated high school. Following high school, Don was drafted into the US Army, serving from 1951 to 1952. After his discharge, he enrolled at Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. Don soon moved to Miami, Texas, where he taught science and was a coach. While there, he met the love of his life Bette Louise Burnett. The couple were united in marriage on August 24, 1956, in Pampa, Texas. The couple established their first home in Miami, Texas. In 1959, Don moved his family to Collbran, Colorado accepting a job as the science teacher and coach. Several years later, they returned to Miami, Texas. In the fall of 1963, the family moved to Arriba, Colorado, where Don once again was the coach and teacher. During his time there, he led his basketball team to three state championships. In May of 1966, Don and his family moved to their current home outside Jennings, Oklahoma. He took a job with Yale Public Schools before accepting the multi-hat position at Jennings as the teacher, principal, coach, and superintendent. Don left Jennings for Glencoe Schools, where he was a science teacher for 12 years retiring in 1990.

As a young lad yearning to be a farmer and rancher, Don purchased his first calf for a nickel. Ultimately Don grew his operation; however, he never felt it was a job because he loved what he did. Don truly loved being outdoors working cattle and mending fences. The family describes Don as a man who consistently looked forward to working. Don was a good carpenter, helping his father-in-law build homes. Active with his children in 4H and FFA. He was also a member of the National Cattlemen’s Association, the Beef Association, and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. Don was also a member of the Methodist church. He also was a lifetime Democrat.

Survivors include his children, Debra Bennett of Glencoe, Oklahoma, Dana Brown of Baytown, Texas, Dara Dixon and her husband James of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Dee Kimbrell and her husband Gary of Owasso, Oklahoma, Donald Lee Stobaugh, Jr. and his wife Sheena of Jennings, Oklahoma, Luci Molder and her husband Wayne of Oilton, Oklahoma; fourteen grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Bette Louise Stobaugh and his parents Delmar and Viola Stobaugh.


Services for Don will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019, at 2:00 PM in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Don will be laid to rest at the Sunrise Cemetery outside Jennings, Oklahoma. An online guestbook will be available at www.chapman-black.com.