Donald Lee Gray (Don) was born April 29, 1936, in Thurman, Iowa, the son of Albert and Mae Gray. Don passed from this life on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 88 years of age.

Don attended Peru State College in Peru, NE, from 1953-1955. He then decided to put his education on hold and went to work for Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, NE, but returned to Peru State College to complete his degree in 1958. He was hired for his first teaching position for Nemaha, NE, schools after a brief conversation on the campus sidewalk.

Knowing that he was soon to be drafted, Don enlisted in the Army in 1959 and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA, for 2 years. At this time, he had met the love of his life, Nancy Stephens, who lived in Hamburg, IA. He proposed and sent Nancy her engagement ring in a card he mailed to her. They married Christmas Eve of 1959.

After leaving the Army in 1961, Don continued a career in education, teaching and coaching girls basketball in West Bend, IA. He then completed his education receiving a Masters in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa in 1964. His career in education included teaching at Creston Community College, working for the Missouri Department of Education, teaching at Iowa Western Community College - Clarinda campus, and settled in at Iowa Western Community College - Council Bluffs campus retiring in 1996.

After retiring, Don and Nancy relocated to Tulsa where he would continue supporting Nancy in ministry and travel with her whenever possible throughout the U.S. and abroad. Don also continued to teach mathematics part-time at Tulsa Community College, as well as help establish a Bible school with Faith Christian Fellowship. He also served on the boards of The Fellowship Church in Oakland, IA, and Faith Christian Fellowship International.

Don was a devoted husband, father and Papa. He is survived by his children, Coleen (Vick) Barker, Scott Gray, and grandchildren, Jarod (Nikki) Barker, Ryan Gray, Matthew Gray, and Haley Gray.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Nancy, his parents and eleven brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Clarehouse, 7617 S. Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74133

Graveside services will be held May 10, 2024, at 1:30 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145.

The family would like to thank Amada Senior Care, A-Vow Hospice and Clarehouse for their loving care of our father in his final days.