Don L. Loula

Don Lynn Loula was born on June 25, 1939 in his grandparent’s house in Lookeba, Oklahoma to parents Carleton “Carle” Loula and Helen Enslow Loula. Don was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

He died of sepsis stemming from an infection on November 5, 2024. He was preceded in death by his mother Helen, father Carle, wife Gail, brother Troy, daughters Judith and Elizabeth, and granddaughter Hannah. He is survived by elder brother Jerry, sister-in-law Marie, daughter Catherine, grandchildren Margaret and Matthew, and son-in-law Billie.

Don attended Carnegie High School graduating in 1957. He continued his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in science specializing in pharmacy. He started his career in a small pharmacy in Oklahoma City

and then worked in the basement of what is now St. Anthony’s until his retirement in 2014. He helped many young pharmacists start on their career paths with his sage advice. These young pharmacists eventually became his friends who kept contact with him even to this day.

Don married Gail L. Loula on March 25, 1967 at the Naval Hospital in California. To this union Judith Ann, Elizabeth Ellen, and Catherine Anne were born. Don was ever so proud of his three beautiful daughters.

He was a caring and doting grandfather to Margaret Anne, Hannah Marie, and Matthew Isaac. He was always willing to help them with their school work and made sure that education was as important to them as it was to him while being a kind but forceful influence to them.

He was a caring brother to Jerry Wade and to Troy Fred who passed away in 2017. He didn't have any sisters of his own but treated his wife's sisters as if they were his blood relatives.

Don was known as a man of many talents. He was an avid baker and would share his love of cake decorating by teaching classes on the fine arts of embellishing cakes with gumpaste flowers. His wedding cakes were sought out in the local community for many years. He cooked every day and loved sharing his creations with family and friends.

He loved to knit and crochet in his spare time and made many Christmas ornaments for his family. In his younger years, he dabbled in oil painting and did beautiful lace tatting. Several of these paintings are proudly displayed in his home. He enjoyed listening to classical music at home and in his car.

Don was also a planner of road trips with his family going to many wonderful destinations throughout his life. He was first and foremost most happy when surrounded by his family especially when they were on these trips. He told his grandkids that they could always go to amusement parks but these road trips would take them to educational sites with Don serving as their guide and teacher. One of his favorite places to visit with his family was Boston. His granddaughter Maggie fondly remembers touring that city with him on several occasions.

Don was a very loving person who never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and engage in a long conversation with them. He never let a friend want for anything always there to lend a hand when there was a need, no matter how small. He would unofficially adopt anyone who needed a father, Uncle Don, or a ‘Pappy’ as his grandchildren called him.

He was a regular church goer at St. Benedict’s and known for his contribution of his beautifully decorated cakes. Don always sat at “his” regular seat when attending Mass even on the Friday and Saturday before his death. He will be dearly missed by many of the parishioners.

A Rosary Service will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 4:00 pm at St. Benedict Catholic Church. A Mass of Christan Burial for Don will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, November 11, 2024 at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest at Alfalfa Cemetery in Carnegie, Oklahoma beside his loving wife, Gail and other family members at 2:30 pm.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service.