Donald BevingtonNorman, OK

Donald Ray Bevington

December 28, 1926 - July 25, 2025

Donald Ray Bevington peacefully met his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2025. He was a scholar of life who deeply loved his family, had boundless generosity and left a legacy marked with compassion and unwavering faith in God. Don was born December 28, 1926 in Anthony, Kansas to Glen Day and Mary Lazetta (Schroeder) Bevington. As one of eight children, there were countless memories growing up and attending school in Anthony. He would say that he had “Greetings and Salutations from Harry S. Truman” and was invited to join an exclusive group, the U.S. Army. The day after high school graduation he left for Camp Hood, Texas, and later sailed for duty in Naples, Italy. He was always proud that he had served in WW II. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. In 2013, he participated in the Oklahoma Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. as part of the WWII delegation to visit the war memorials.

After returning from the service, he met Marjorie Logan who later became his wife for 63 loving years. Don attended Railroad School in Omaha, Nebraska with GI Bill benefits. He accepted a position with the Santa Fe Railroad and worked in the Panhandle Division. Blackwell became home in 1963 and he worked there until retirement. Don was never afraid to try new opportunities so owning Don’s Texaco was a positive fit for him. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed “tinkering in the garage.” One of his creations was inventing his version of a water sprinkler to keep the Purple Martin houses cool.

In Blackwell, he was active in the scouting program to support his son, Joe. He was a Cub Master at Washington Elementary School and reactivated the Pine Wood Derby Program. Later he became active in youth programs in football, basketball and baseball as a coach. He served as president of the Pony League for numerous years. He was a member of the Blackwell First United Methodist Church. In earlier years in other communities, he had served as a lay minister when needed. He was devoted to studying the Bible and had a strong faith throughout his life. After retiring from the railroad, he became director of Blackwell Associated Charities.

In 2017, Don moved to Norman to be closer to his family. This was a joyful time meeting new people, attending numerous family events and being a part of his granddaughters' and great grandchildren' s lives. At Rivermont Independent Living he had countless hours of dominoes, poker, bingo and attending musical events.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His greatest joy was spending time with all his family. He took great pride that he was actively engaged in his granddaughters and great grandchildren’s lives. He was affectionately known as “Grindy." He often said ”family is everything” which he always honored. His positive nature and kindness afforded him endearing friendships throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Logan Bevington. He is also preceded in death by Glen Day and Mary Bevington (parents); Harold Stafford (brother); Mary Neil (sister); Elmer Bevington (brother); Catherine Drosselmeyer (sister); Glen Day Bevington, Jr. (brother,) and Valeria Sample (sister.)

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Heatly (Richard); son, Joe Bevington (Emilia); Jack Bevington (brother); Rachael Dewberry (granddaughter); Megan Eskridge (granddaughter) and husband, Ed; Carson and Max Dewberry (great grandsons); Evie, Elle, and Lily James Eskridge (great granddaughters,) and Mindy and Jimmy Beard (dear friends.)

A memorial service will be held on August 7, 11:00 am, at Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon Ave., Blackwell, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to Norman Public Schools Foundation, 131 South Flood, Norman, Oklahoma, 73069.