Donald Lee Cordray passed away on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at the age of 93. Don was born on June 5, 1932 to William F. “Bill” Cordray and Fannie Pearl (Nuttle) in St. Louis, OK. Don graduated from Central High School in 1950 where he learned the printing trade in his vocational classes. He was a good athlete excelling in volley ball and fast- pitch softball. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army at Fort Benning, GA during the Korean war. Don married the love of his life, Rachel Willis, on June 17, 1955 and was blessed with three children, Steven, Tracey and Kelley. They purchased their lovely home in 1955 and lived in this home for 70 years and was blessed to have the Duniphin family as their neighbors for over 65 years. Don had a strong work ethic and worked hard to support his family. He began his career as a paperboy at the age of 12 throwing newspapers in “Walnut Grove” and downtown Oklahoma City. He worked at Standard Engraving for 40 years as a photo engraver/printer, as well as Midwest Trophy for 10 years. Upon his “retirement” at the age of 65, he got bored and started to work for McClain Electric as the “Chief Gofer” for 24 years, finally retiring at the age of 89. Don was frugal and very resourceful and had many other side hustle jobs including, security for OU and Red Hawks sporting events, lawn mowing, estate sales, aluminum can collection, wire stripping, and whatever else he could come with.

Don and Rachel were very proud of their children and their accomplishments and were involved in their many activities. Don served as the Boy Scouts Patrol Leader for Troop 186, known as the “Crow Patrol”, where the Patrol went on many camping adventures culminating in a trip to Yellowstone National Park. He was very proud that all seven boys, including his son, achieving Eagle Scout. Don also coached the Little League Baseball team, Calvin Coolidge Crocodiles. Don liked adventure, which included annual family vacations across the United States in a camper with the Barnes and Dobbs families. Don had many interests, including fishing with his life-long friend Junior. He was a passionate gardener and enjoyed planting a huge garden every year and sharing his produce with friends, including his favorite, okra! He enjoyed cooking and made homemade salsa every year with his fresh tomatoes and frequently made his famous peanut cluster candy. He was also obsessed with collecting and picking out pecans and was known as the “nut man”.

Don was a devoted husband, father, and friend and was noted for his generous spirit and savviness, who lived his life with honesty and integrity. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William F. “Bill” Cordray and Fannie Pearl (Nuttle), sisters Billie Jo, Colleen, and Frances; and brother Roger, as well as best friend JW “Junior” Barnes. 

He leaves cherished memories with his loving son Steven Cordray & Carole Richard of Ivins, Utah; daughter Tracey Cordray & Les Lewis of North Richland Hills, TX; daughter Kelley Cordray & Roger Heiliger of OKC; granddogs, Sydney, Madison, Gracie, & Buster, as well as many extended loving family members and friends.