Donald William Siple was born December 8, 1916, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to
William Willis Siple and Barbara Chansen Siple. He was a star athlete in high school,
lettering in football, track and basketball. He set a state record in pole vaulting that
took many years to break. After graduation, he attended Louisiana State University
on a scholarship in both football and track, but was persuaded to drop football
because the track coach was afraid he would be injured. He joined the Navy in
1941, and was sent to flight school. He was a scout and fighter pilot, operating
from both ground stations and aircraft carriers. During his service, he became a
Master Bridge player. He was involved in the Battle of Guadalcanal, among other
Pacific action. He returned to the States as a Naval fighter pilot instructor. After
the war ended, he returned to LSU to finish earning his degree in Geology. He was
a life-long LSU Tigers fan. He joined the ranks of Gulf Oil as a Petroleum Geologist,
which took him to many parts of the United States, and the World. He retired from
Gulf/Chevron after 32 years, to Shreveport, to pursue his main passion of golf. He
"retired" from golf and ballroom dancing at age 95 because of health issues, and
moved to Tulsa, to be nearer to family. He was inducted into the Oklahoma
Centenarian Club on his 100th birthday. He was featured in the June 2017 issue of
Men's Health magazine, giving advice on how to live longer. He was a longtime
prostate cancer survivor. He passed away September 19, 2017 at Clarehouse with
family holding his hands. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Betty
Howard, in 2010, second wife Yvonne Siple in 1995, and two sisters and one brother.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law Don and Joan Siple, grandson Benjamin
Siple, in-laws Zelpha Ruth Parker and John Parker, all of Tulsa, stepsons Roger
Breedlove (Wife Barbara), of Alexandria, LA, Rick Breedlove (wife Cindy), of
Torrington, WY, and Ron Breedlove (deceased Oct. 2017). He is also survived by
stepgrandchildren Shelly, Jeanne, Carter, Betsy, Rhett and Ross, as well as several
great-grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be at Prairie Rose Senior Living
Community, 7401 Riverside Parkway, Tulsa, on Monday, November 20, 2017 at
2:00PM. Donations may be made to Clarehouse, Disabled Veterans of America, or
any charity of your choice. Arrangements and cremation were entrusted to
Moore Funeral Homes - Eastlawn Chapel.



Moore's Eastlawn Chapel
918-622-1155