Don Allen Anthony

Don Allen Anthony passed peacefully from this life on March 8, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 86.

He was born on February 14, 1940, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Ruby Hillman Anthony and William Eugene "Gene" Anthony. Don spent his early childhood in California before his family returned to Cushing, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Cushing High School in 1958.

A gifted athlete, Don lettered in football, baseball, and track and was known for his remarkable speed as a running back. His talent on the field earned him selections to play as a 1957 All State Back and in both the All Stars Game and the Oil Bowl in 1958. It was also during his time at Cushing High School that Don met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Charlene Kendrick.

Don attended Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He remained a loyal and true OSU Cowboy fan throughout his life and enjoyed holding season football tickets for many years.

After graduating from OSU in 1962, Don first moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to work for the Albert Pick Hotels out of Chicago. He shortly thereafter moved to Los Angeles, California, where he began his career with General Foods. In June of 1963, he and Charlene were married at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Cushing and Charlene joined him in California. In November of 1967, they welcomed their daughter, Kimberly Dawn.

The following year, the family returned to Oklahoma and settled in Midwest City. Don worked for a short time for Hartford Insurance before opening a Del Rancho franchise. Known for his quality food and genuine hospitality, Don built a loyal following in the community. In 1982, he opened his own restaurant, Pistol's Family Restaurant, which quickly became a local favorite and remained so until his retirement in December 2006.

During his years in Midwest City, Don was a member of the Midwest City Rotary Club and the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. He also became involved at Meadowood Baptist Church, where he enjoyed serving with the Mission Mid-Del, Inc. Master's Market food and clothing pantry.

Outside of work, Don found great joy in his quarter horses. In the early 1990s, he and his business partner, Larry Thompson, established the DALT quarter horse racing brand. While the thrill of racing and the success of the DALT horses were exciting, Don especially treasured the peaceful moments caring for his horses in the pasture. He was a member of both the American Quarter Horse Association and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association and his horses were widely recognized. Bugs Magic Rocket was awarded the Leading Earning Oklahoma-Bred Quarter Horse Runner of 1993. Other notable horses include AQHA Superior Race Horses DALTS Liberty Calls and Eyes A Bug, Champion Oklahoma-Bred Fair Meets DALTS Eye Eye Sir, Champion 2 Year Old Quarter Horse Filly, DALTS Fancy Pistol, and Champion Oklahoma Aged Mare, DALTS Gunnin' For Success.

After Charlene's passing in 2006, Don married Trena McAlister in 2008. She was a caring companion for him until her death in 2024.

Don's greatest pride and joy was his grandson, Anthony. He loved cheering him on at soccer and basketball games, traveling across the state for tournaments, and sharing in the excitement of every moment. His proudest moment was being present for Anthony's signing ceremony to play D1 soccer at Boston University.

In 2024, Don relocated to Tulsa to be close to his family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Gene Anthony; his infant brother, Larry; his beloved wife of 42 years, Charlene Kendrick Anthony; and Trena McAlister.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Harper and her husband, Ryan, of Tulsa; his grandson, Anthony Harper of Boston; and many beloved cousins and friends.

Don will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and quiet strength, as well as the deep love he held for his family, friends, and community.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home at 305 S. Sooner Road in Midwest City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's name may be made to the Martha S. Clark Financial Aid Fund at Riverfield Country Day School.

https://www.riverfield.org/give/martha-s-clark-financial-aid-fund