Donald Leroy Mize

Funeral services for Donald Leroy Mize will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Crossway First Baptist Church, in Sulphur, with Pastor Bill Leveridge officiating. Interment will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur.

Don was born November 28, 1931, in Council Bluff, Iowa, to the late Clyde “Shorty” and Mable Leona (Runyon) Mize. He passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, at his home south of Sulphur, at the age of 91. Don and the former Ms. Opal Jearlene Carter were united in marriage on May 16, 1953, in Sulphur. From this marriage was born three children, Tereasa, Mike, and Patrick.

Don grew up in the Sulphur area, attending school at Buckhorn. On September 1, 1950, he joined the United States Army, serving in the 45th Infantry, during the Korean Conflict. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army on July 4, 1952, Don returned home to Sulphur, where he spent many years helping to operate the family dairy with his father and brother, Richard.

After the family retired from the dairy business, Don spent several years working as cabinet builder for John Townley, prior to spending the rest of working career with the Sulphur Public School System. His many years with the school included working in maintenance, assisting in the cafeteria, as well as, driving a school bus.

Don was a very caring man. Throughout his years working at the school, he became a grandfather/father figure to countless area kids. He and Jearlene’s home was always opened to everyone, and made each feel as part of their family. In younger years, Don enjoyed fishing and coon hunting.

Survivors include one daughter, Tereasa Herrmann & husband Jerry; one son, Pat Mize & wife Brenda, all of Sulphur; nine grandchildren, Brent Herrmann & wife April, Cole Herrmann & wife Samantha, Heather Ames, Kerri Mize, Dayton Mize & wife Tonya, Josh Mize, Eli Mize & wife Paige, Randi Burleson & husband Brad and Thomas Henderson; 16 great grandchildren; one brother, Richard Mize & wife June of Sulphur; as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Jearlene on September 25, 2019; one son, Mike Mize; an infant daughter; and three sisters, Virigina Heskett, Deloris Elliott, and Clyda Blakeman.

Serving as pallbearers will be Cole Herrmann, Dayton Mize, Eli Mize, Josh Mize, Thomas Henderson, Dakota Cox, and Martin Turrobiartes.