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Don M. McBride Jr., 92, of Bartlesville, joined his beloved wife Marilyn in heaven on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Don’s parents Frances (Leming) and Donald Michael McBride Sr. welcomed him to this world on January 13, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska. The family moved to Bartlesville in 1939, where Don’s dad became an executive with Phillips Petroleum. Don attended school there, graduating from College High in 1951. He then attended Oklahoma A&M (now OSU), where he majored in geology. Don was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and the golf team where he frolicked but still earned good grades.
After earning his bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma A&M in 1955, Don went to work as a geologist for Creole Petroleum Corp. in Venezuela for three years in the jungles near Lake Maracaibo . He then returned to Bartlesville and attended evening classes to earn his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Tulsa.
Don married the love of his life, Marilyn Drake, on November 23, 1960. They made their home in Bartlesville and had two children, Suzanne and Mike. They eventually moved to the Osage Reservation, to a small ranch with several ponds, woods, and a beautiful Osage Hills view.
In 1964, Don served as the State Campaign Chairman for Barry Goldwater, who was running for President. In 1965, he went into business with his brother-in-law and joined Walter Freiburger and Son Insurance which began in 1926. He enjoyed over 40 years of success there. Notable clients he served included the Grand River Dam Authority, Woolaroc Museum and Ranch, and a castle in Ireland. Don fully retired in about 2009, when he sold the agency.
Don was a lifelong outdoorsman. He had bird dogs, and he hunted quail and doves. He loved to fish, especially bass fishing. He and Marilyn traveled to Colombia several times to fish for the mysterious and elusive golden bass. They also liked to fish for bass and crappie in Kansas on the Martin Ranch and in Oklahoma with the Ratcliffs and others. They traveled to Brazil, Canada, Portugal, and all over Africa. Don enjoyed hunting in Mexico, and he continued his love of Hispanic culture and language throughout his life.
An avid woodcarver, Don won various prizes when Marilyn secretly entered his carvings in contests. A humble and shy man, he never wanted to enter the contests, but Marilyn enjoyed showing his talent.
Don was a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, where he served as treasurer for a time. A community booster, he was a member of the Lions Club and was the county chair for the American Red Cross. He led and mentored boys in Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts.
People remember Don as a good shepherd and a gentleman. He cared for a lot of people and animals, and he was a champion for the underdog. He served the community in various ways, including delivering Christmas toys to those who were less fortunate. The Mayor awarded Don the Honorary Chief of Police on his 40th birthday. He was witty and had a dry sense of humor. Everyone who knew him loved him.
Don’s relatives include two children, Suzanne McBride (and husband Dennis Sack), and Mike McBride III (and wife Dawnette Brady); one sister, Donna (Freiburger) Allison; two grandchildren, Michael McBride IV and Nicholas Sack (and wife Vivienne). One day shy of their 63rd wedding anniversary, Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn McBride on November 22, 2023. He was also preceded in death by his father Don Sr. in 1957, his mother Frances in 1994, and his brother, Tom McBride in 2015.
A Celebration of Life will commence at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22nd at Green Country Village, in the Living Room of the Independent Living Building, 1025 Swan Drive, Bartlesville, OK 74006. In fellowship we toast Don who lived a full and long life.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to
(i) “Casa
Hispana” Hispanic Outreach Center in Bartlesville, OK:
https://tinyurl.com/DonMcBrideMemorialGift;
(ii) Cornerstone Church,
Bartlesville, OK:
https://cornerstonebville.org/;
(iii) The Journey Home Hospice of
Bartlesville, OK:
https://www.thejourneyhomeok.org/donate;
or a charity of your
choice.
Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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