Don Spears Hale

Don Spears Hale passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 92, at an assisted living home in Alvin, Texas. He was born on December 12, 1932, on a farm in Maud, Oklahoma, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and humility-qualities that shaped a long and meaningful life. Don was a proud graduate of Bowlegs High School and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from East Central Oklahoma University. He later received his Master's Degree from the University of Oklahoma-a school he remained fiercely loyal to, especially when it came to cheering on his beloved OU Sooners. He also served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves with honor and quiet pride. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, something he was very proud of. Known for his quick wit, sharp mind, and unwavering determination, Don built a long and impactful career in higher education. He served as Director of the Health Sciences Department at the University of Oklahoma and later as Director of Communications at the University of California San Diego, where he worked until retirement. After returning to Oklahoma, Don reconnected with a longtime friend, Vondah. At the age of 80, he told his daughter Vicki, "We're going to get married and take care of each other until we die"-and they did just that. Their love and devotion brought joy and companionship in their later years, and they remained inseparable until Vondah's passing in February 2025. Don was a father to two daughters, Teresa Ann Reese and Vicki Lynne Cleland, who brought him immense pride and happiness. Faith was central in Don's life. A lifelong Methodist, he had been attending Broken Arrow Baptist Church before his move to Texas. He often talked about his Sunday School class and its members, and he missed it tremendously. He often said he was "prayed up, packed up, and looking up"-ready to go to heaven. In his final years, he spoke often of reuniting with his parents Ruby Dee and Jesse Hale, his sister Jeanie and even his beloved childhood dog, Scout. Don was also proud of his early political involvement, including heading the successful reelection campaign of Mayor Hugely in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has the honor of meeting several former Presidents through his time there. He was a voracious reader with a personal library of more than 2,000 books, covering history, biographies and sports. He completed the USA Today crossword puzzle daily and found comfort in gospel music. Ever determined and disciplined, Don remained physically active into his 90s, continuing to do pushups and sit-ups on his floor and driving himself to church, the bank and grocery store. He and Vondah often enjoyed walks in the mall, savoring life and one another's company. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vondah Hale; his parents, Ruby Dee and Jesse Hale; his sister Jeanie and son in law, Wayne Reese. In addition to his daughters, Don leaves behind his two stepsons, Rafe Hunsucker and Raeagan Hunsucker and wife Rachel, both who he thought the world of. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Brandi Wyatt of Alvin, Texas, Dylan Hale (Katie) of Midland, Texas, Austin Cleland (Paige) of Houston, Texas, Tyler Cleland (James) of Owasso, Illinois, Colum Reese (Saradon) of Vernon, Texas and his greatgrandchildren, Max, Ross and Brooks Hale, Matthew Wyatt, Nora Piper Cleland and Crue Reese. Also, his nieces, Donna Kay Butler (Bruce) and Pam Ferrell and their families. In accordance with Don's wishes, no formal services will be held. He chose to be cremated and made all necessary arrangements prior to his move to Texas. His ashes will be lovingly scattered over the graves of his parents and sister in Wewoka, Oklahoma-a place that always remained close to his heart. Don Spears Hale will be remembered for his intellect, strength, conviction, humor (delighting his grandkids every time he talked like Donald Duck) and unwavering love for his family. His was a life well-lived.