Obituary of Donald Church

Donald C. Church was born December 16, 1919 in Elkhart, KS to James Eli and Ola Susan (Harville) Church. He passed peacefully from this life April 29, 2011 at the age of 91. He was raised in Tulsa, graduating from Central High School in 1936 and the University of Tulsa in 1942. Donald was head cheerleader at both schools and helped found the Kappa Alpha social fraternity chapter at TU. During World War II, Donald served in the US Army as trial judge advocate at Camp Perry, OH. After the war, Donald worked for several years as vice president and legal counsel for the Insurors Indemnity and Insurance Company. He left the company in 1955 to open his own general law practice, which he ran for nearly 50 years. Donald was a 32nd degree Mason, member of Pilgrim-Rock Lodge #522 and the Tulsa Scottish Rite for more than 50 years. He was a founding member of Southwood Country Club and was a member of various other civic clubs and social organizations. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was also an engaged participant in American politics and an avid and talented gambler. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Church; and a sister, Mary Louise Sesock. He is survived by his wife, Dian; son, Michael Church; daughters, Melony Yatsco, Melissa Carlson and her husband, Jeff Carlson, Melinda Church and her husband, Bill Benson; sister, Julia Jacoby and her husband, James; brother, Arnold Church and his wife, Doris; grandchildren, Paul Yatsco, Eli Church, Emily Church, Taylor Church, Cady Carlson, Hannah Church Benson, and Maxwell Church Benson; many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the Memorial Park Family Center. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute in Donald's memory to The Little Light House, 5120 E. 36th Street, Tulsa, OK 74135-6228; or the charity of your choice. Ninde Funeral Directors, Brookside Chapel (918) 742-5556 ninde.com