Donald J. “Don” Wageman, of Paoli, passed away June 4, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 78 years. Don was born August 30, 1945, in Compton, California, to Ervin Francis and Lyda Louise (White) Wageman. In his younger years Don was quite the cowboy, and during high school he enjoyed playing basketball and was in the ROTC program. Later he enjoyed competitive shooting and rustic camping with his grandchildren, as well as taking them to rodeos and looking at hot rods. He was a member of the local Valley Masonic Lodge #6 and had earned his 32nd degree in the Masonic Lodge. Don married Keata King on June 18, 1967. They were married for 40 years, until her death in 2008. Don enjoyed a career in retail management that spanned more than 30 years, working for companies that included Woolworth, Woolco, McCrory’s, TG&Y and Walmart.
It was that career that brought his family to the Pauls Valley area in 1989. He later moved to Paoli and has made his home there since 1996.
Don went to work for the city of Pauls Valley as assistant city manager in 2002. He also served as a reserve police officer for the Pauls Valley Police Department for 28 years, retiring from active service with the police department in 2022.
Don and Nila Pinkerton were married in Purcell on April 24, 2009. Don was preceded in death by his parents, E. F. and Lyda Wageman; his dad, Ferren H. Smalley; his first wife, Keata F. Wageman, and a brother, Jim Wageman.
He is survived by his wife, Nila Wageman of the home; his daughters, Kimberly Prack and husband, Charles, of Arlington, Texas; and Amanda Lawson and husband, Matthew, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; his step-daughter, Tiffany Ferguson, of Durant; eight grandchildren, Colin, Nathaniel, Charlotte, Donovan, Lydia, Berkley, Brinley and Houston; one brother, Marvin Wageman, of Arpelar; four sisters, Dawn Hollis of Texas; Verna Howe of Oregon; and Sharon Haerle and Linda Cernak, both of California; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many friends and co-workers.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church officiated by David S. Johnson. Interment was at Cupco Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home. We invite you to send a message of care and concern as well as kind words and memories at www.stufflebeanfuneralhome.com.
