Donald Eugene Lee, 88, of McAlester, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026 in Tulsa.  The family has scheduled a memorial service celebrating Don's life on Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel in McAlester.

Don Lee was born on July 25, 1937 in Goodman, Missouri to Robert E. and Bessie Olive (Miller) Lee.  He was the 4th of their 16 children. His family moved around a little when Don was young, and settled in Kansas, where Don attended Stockton High School.  Don went to work for Dowell, in their drilling division, but was soon called to his military duty, where he served in the U. S. Army for 2 years, then in the Army Reserves.  After receiving his honorable discharge, he went back to work for Dowell as an area manager for their oil and gas exploration.  He retired from Dowell after 30 years and then went to work for A & A Tank Trucks for 10 years, then retired again.  Not one to sit still, Don began CDL Dump Truck and Backhoe working with heavy equipment, bulldozers, excavators, and the such. He loved to tinker and usually fixed all his own equipment and vehicles.  He also loved doing yard work and growing his gardens; and was a favorite baby-sitter for the grandkids.  In his younger days, he and Cheryl loved to travel and camp in their motor home and go boating and fishing.

Don is survived by his wife, Cheryl; children, Cherie Jordan Barnett and husband Mike, Sara Lee Amos and husband Josh, Tiffany Walton and husband Samuel, Corey Conner and wife Chelsie, Toby Bellar and wife Mindy, and Brenda Elam; grandchildren, Alexis Hull and Corbin Hull, Daniel Amos and Alex Amos, Jaylynn Lee and Ellie Lee, Brooklyn Walton and Kynlee Walton, as well as other grandchildren and great grandchildren; and siblings, Juanita Howard and husband Ron, Larry Lee and wife Janice, Lonnie Lee, Carol George, Jerry Lee, and Gary Lee and wife Mary Ann.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert E. and Bessie Lee of Ulysses, Kansas. Siblings: Bobby, Audrey, George, Buddy, Art, Cheryl, Harley, Allan, and Ethel.