Donald Keith Strawn

Don was born on August 16, 1930 to J.N. and Lottie Strawn in Bethany, OK. He passed away February 22, 2011 in the hospital surrounded by the people he loved.

He married Joyce Scoggin on December 10, 1949 and they had one child, their daughter, Dona. They all enjoyed many wonderful years. An amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and provider, he was also a well-known businessman in the community. He established Strawn 's Corner in Nicoma Park in 1968 after retiring from Roadway Express and later expanded his business ventures to become owner of multiple companies including DonStrawn Drilling and Corner Storage as well as founding DonStrawn Racing. His interests in cars and racing began in a small garage behind his house in Jones, OK and ultimately led to a lifetime love of the sport and the beginning of many races and adventures at various dirt tracks, in numerous states. Not only a car owner, but a well-loved sponsor who helped many drivers get their start, Don Strawn was a household name for many race car drivers, pit crew members, officials, and fans. His popular race cars had standard colors of orange and black, though he was an avid OU fan, and were always running for the championship in one class or another since 1984. A fearless soul and unique man, he loved spending time with family and friends, going to the lake, watching football (a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan), and cruising to exotic places. Known for his wit and sense of humor, you could always count on Don for an interesting story and memorable laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce Strawn of Harrah; daughter, Dona Bourlon of Choctaw; grandson, Jon Bourlon of Wellston; granddaughter, Amy Dawn Hilterbran and her husband, Jason of Oklahoma City; and 5 great-grandchildren, Grayson, Taylor, Mackenzie, Austin & Nathaniel. He also leaves close family friends, Floyd and Jana Cable and many other loving family members, friends, employees and fans. Don was preceded in death by his parents; dearest son-in-law, Tom Bourlon; and his siblings, Winona Price, Harold Strawn , Doris Eastham, and Sue Catherine Pribyl. He was loved and admired and will be remembered for his many wonderful qualities, and his fun-loving, one-of-a-kind ways. Truly a brave man that lived a full life and contributed to the happiness and success of so many people, DonStrawn will truly be missed.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who want to memorialize him do so by donating to The Tom Bourlon Falls Creek Scholarship, First Baptist Church of Choctaw (390-2131). Memorial services will be conducted by Rev. Ray Sikes and held this Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Choctaw, 2700 N. Main, Choctaw, OK 73020, with interment at Arlington Memory Gardens to follow.

source: http://www.whowon.com/images/StoryPhotos-2002/t840_020329b.jpg

Joyce Marie Strawn
            October 19, 1928 - August 30, 2011

HARRAH

Joyce was born on October 19, 1928 in Rocky, Oklahoma to Royce and Sue Scoggin. She passed away unexpectedly at OU Medical Center on August 30, 2011. Joyce graduated from Choctaw High School in 1945 and then married Donald Strawn on December 10, 1949. They had one child together, their cherished daughter, Dona. After many years in the banking industry, Joyce left Liberty Bank to pursue business ventures alongside her husband. In 1969, they established Strawn's Corner, and over 42 years later, it remains a staple business location in the Choctaw-Nicoma Park community. Many weekends were spent surrounded by family and friends at car races, get-togethers and at their cabin on Lake Eufaula. An amazing and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, she was admired by many for her kindness and generosity as well as her unique strength and resolve. When asked to describe Joyce Strawn, you hear people talk of devotion, commitment, and good nature. She was well-known for her love of animals, especially her four-legged "children" and was respected for her good old-fashioned spunk, for she was truly a force to be reckoned with - fair and just, but determined, focused and fierce in protecting her family. She loved spending time reading, traveling to exotic places and was an accomplished poker player.

She is survived by her daughter, Dona Bourlon of Choctaw; sister, Winnie Sue Warren of Choctaw; brother, Melvin Scoggin of Edmond; brother, John Redenti of Florida; sister, Rosemarie Ranowicz of New York; grandson, Jon Bourlon of Wellston; granddaughter, Amy Dawn and her husband Jason Hilterbran of Oklahoma City; great-granddaughter, Grayson and her husband Zack Harlow of Choctaw; great-granddaughters, Mackenzie and Taylor; and great-grandsons, Austin and Nathaniel. She also leaves close family friends, Floyd and Jana Cable and many other adoring family members, friends, employees, and business associates.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and step-parents, Royce and Ruby Scoggin and Sue and Tony Redenti; her husband of 61 years, Donald Strawn; and dearest son-in-law, Tom Bourlon. A truly rare gem and beauty, she will be remembered for possessing a multitude of wonderful, worthy qualities, and for her down-to-earth nature, style, and charm. "They just don't make them like Joyce Strawn anymore," is heard often and will linger on because of the life she lived and the way she loved.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who want to memorialize her, do so by donating to: The Tom Bourlon Falls Creek Scholarship, First Baptist Church of Choctaw (390-2131). Memorial services will be conducted by Rev. Ray Sikes and held this Friday, September 2, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Choctaw, 2700 N. Main Street, Choctaw, OK 73020, with interment at Arlington Memory Gardens to follow.