Don M. Umlah

Donald McClellan Umlah

May 26,1934 - June 14, 2024

After a lifetime of service to the Lord, his country and his family, Don Umlah gained his heavenly wings.

A rosary, vigil and viewing will be held on Tuesday June 18, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday June 19, 2024 at 10 am at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Burkburnett. A celebration of life will be held directly after the funeral at the Parish Hall.  Interment with full military honors will be Thursday June 20, 2024 at 11 am at Burkburnett Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.  

Don was born at the Children’s Hospital in Boston to William Randolph (Randy) Umlah and Marion Isabel (McClellan) Umlah.  He joined his older brother, William Alfred “Bill” Umlah.  After the early death of his father, his mother married Arsene J. Aucoin and the family grew by two more brothers; Bruce Jerome Aucoin and Edward John “Ted” Aucoin.

The family lived in Brookline and Jamaica Plains, MA; Black Rock, CT; Glover, VT; Ghent, NY and Flemington, NJ.

Don graduated from Summerville, NJ and enlisted in the USAF in 1952 and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1980 and completed his reserve commitment in 1982 for a total of 30 years of military service.  His military career took him all over the United States (NY, TX, MD, Washington DC, FL, CA, HI, KS) and overseas to French Indo China, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Ethiopia, Somalia, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Germany.

His military duties included maintenance and flying helicopters, air sea rescue, and special ops units.  He was selected as part of the team establishing the 1401 Presidential Helicopter Squadron at Andrews AFB, MD under President Eisenhower which became the 1st Helicopter Squadron.

After retiring from the USAF, Don worked at Washex and then went to work in Federal Civil Service at SAFB, TX as an instructor and an instructor supervisor, retiring in 1996.

Don was a member of the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Assoc, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Disabled American Veterans, the Retired Enlisted Assoc, the Air Commandos Assoc, and the National Rifle Association.  Don served various offices for these organizations including chaplain.

Don met Vivian Effie Thompson in Hartford, CT on Oct 21, 1956, and they were married in her hometown of Greensboro Bend, VT on June 22, 1957.  This Saturday they celebrate 67 years.

Don and Vivian had 4 children, Donna Marie “Dee Dee” Harris, Randolph “Randy” Richard Umlah, Marion Elizabeth Newell and Marguerite Rose Love.

Don and Vivian resided in Burkburnett for over 50 years and were members of the St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.  During his service to his country, Don also taught his children the love of service to others.  Don and Vivian volunteered as scout leaders, and meals on wheels drivers. He loved taking his great-granddaughter with him to Humane Society to deliver treats and to the Wild Bird Rescue.  After his health kept him from physically volunteering, he continued his financial donations to his favorite charities.  

One of his greatest joys was watching his children and their families enjoying time with each other.  The annual family vacation was filled with laughter, love and stories, always stories.  Don’s greatest pride was the way his children supported each other and their families.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Randy; his mother, Marion; his stepfather, Arsene; his brothers, Bill and Bruce; his beloved grandson, Danny Williams Jr.; and his son-in-law, Hoss Guffey.  

Don is survived by his wife Vivian; his children, Dee Dee (Wade) Harris, Randy, Marion (Mike) Newell, and Marguerite (Brian) Love; his grandchildren, Scott (Jamie) Williams, Jacob (Sarah) Guffey, Kristin (Jason) Johnson, Elizabeth (Cody) Noggler, Caleb Newell, and Jayson (Lauren) Love; and his great-grands, Shelby, Dani, Randi, Jadyn, Porter, Gunner, Henry, Heidi and a new arrival in 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Burkburnett Meals on Wheels, the Burkburnett Boys and Girls Club, Grace Ministries, the American Legion, the VFW, or a charity of your choice if you desire.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com