Donald Lee Alfred, of Pauls Valley, passed away July 9, 2023, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the age of 85 years. Don was born April 3, 1938, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Ruel E. Alfred and Dorothy Alfred. He was raised in Pauls Valley and attended Pauls Valley Schools. He was married to Shirla Kay Tomberlin in Pauls Valley at Trinity Baptist Church on May 17, 1959. He worked as a painting contractor, carpenter and an insulation contractor. Pauls Valley has been his home all of his life. Don was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school for many years and served as a trustee and also on many other committees. He served as a part time custodian at the church until his death. His hope as a Sunday school teacher was that every youth that he taught would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Don coached his children, as well as many others, in little league for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and he thoroughly enjoyed going to all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids activities. He was an avid OU fan. Don also served on the Pauls Valley School Board for many years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ruel and Dorothy Alfred; his wife of 57 years, Shirla Kay Alfred; sister, Wanda Tanner; and great-granddaughter, Hudsyn Willis.
Don’s surviving family include his four children and their spouses, Gary and Cathy Alfred, Steven and Melinda Alfred, Kristin and Joe Holt, and Joey and Michelle Alfred; his grandchildren, Carissa Willis and husband, Jeff, Caden Holt and wife, Claire, Kaci Gifford and husband, Luke, Abigail Kelley and husband, Brady, Emersyn Alfred and Brett Alfred; and his great-grandchildren, Henley Willis, Lincoln Willis, Bodie Gifford, Payte Gifford, Tyler Holt, and Mollie Holt; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Jeff Willis, Joe Holt, Brady Kelley, Luke Gifford, Brett Alfred, and Caden Holt. Honorary Pallbearers included Gary Alfred, Steve Alfred, and Joey Alfred.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Pavilion officiated by Pastor Dwayne Johnson and Rev. Terry Mott. Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the family’s guestbook at www.stufflebeanfuneralhome.com In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Trinity Baptist Church building fund at P.O. Box 593, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075.
