Donald G. Poitevent

Donald Gene Poitevent, 91, of Muskogee, OK passed away peacefully Sunday, September 3, 2023 in Muskogee. Donald was born February 12, 1932 in Muskogee, the son of Clifford and Essie Poitevent. Donald grew up in Muskogee, the youngest of 7 brothers and sisters. His parents owned a grocery store on Frankfort Street in the 30s and 40s and he had many stories of working behind the counter. The family grew popcorn which became the favorite family snack. That love was passed on to his two daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. He loved to laugh and always had stories of the shenanigans he and his brothers got into growing up. During his teen years, he played minor league baseball for the Muskogee Reds. He met his future wife, Gloria “June” Scates, as 2nd graders at Sequoyah Elementary. That friendship grew into love, and they eloped to Van Buren, AR on April 5, 1952. Because he was the last child at home and a momma’s boy, they kept it a secret for a few months until he graduated Muskogee High School in May. In November 1952, he was drafted into the United States Army and served overseas in the Korean War until his release in October 1954. After his release, he began his career with Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. as a laborer. He was named a truck driver in 1958 and distribution foreman in 1979. In 1986, he transferred to the Checotah office where he was named Area Operating Superintendent. While in Checotah, he was a member of the Checotah Chamber of Commerce, The Salvation Army, and the Lions Club. After 37 years with the Gas Company, he retired in 1993 and they moved back to Muskogee. Retirement gave him more time to enjoy his favorite past times, fishing, and spending time with his family. Through the years, he enjoyed bowling and played in many leagues. He loved playing games, especially cards, dominoes, spoons, and croquet. To this day, none of his family really knows the exact rules of croquet because he changed them every time they played. He would always get a twinkle in his eyes when playing any game, a sure sign he was cheating to see if everyone caught on. He didn’t care to win…he just liked seeing everyone’s reaction and making it fun. On weekends, you could find him and June at one of the area VFW locations or the American Legion dancing. They loved to dance. Don and June were married 54 years before her passing in 2007. Don continued to go to the dances where he eventually met his second love, Bonniegene Sharp. Together, they loved dancing and going to the various casinos to see all the country greats perform. He loved his family and loved to talk. He never met a stranger. The family joked it was hard to get a good photo of him because he never stopped talking long enough. He is survived by his love, Bonniegene Sharp of Morris, Oklahoma; daughters, Michele Gustafson and husband Donald of Cleveland, Tennessee and Dawn O’Dell of Muskogee, Oklahoma and partner Ted Vickrey of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma; two granddaughters, Brenna Dolan and husband Zach of Moorhead, Minnesota; and Paige Snyder and wife Sarah of Olympia, Washington; two great-granddaughters, Hannah Dolan and Emma Dolan of Moorhead, Minnesota; brother, Tom Poitevent and wife Sylvia, of Texas; niece Becky Holt of St. Charles, Illinois and great-nephew, Brandon Wendling of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford, and Essie Poitevent; wife, June Poitevent; brother, Clifford Poitevent; sister Woenetta Midkiff; sister Undine Marable; sister Patti Hein; and brother, Raymond Poitevent. Visitation with family greeting friends 5pm-7pm Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Muskogee. Graveside services will be 10AM Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Greenhill Cemetery Pavilion in Muskogee with Zach Vickrey officiating. The family of Donald G Poitevent has entrusted his care, service and cremation to Cliff and Carmen Garrett and Staff of Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 1020 West Okmulgee Ave, Muskogee, OK 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for the Poitevent family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Donald G. Poitevent

February 12, 1932 - September 3, 2023