Donald Gene Edmiston

Donald "Tuffy" Gene Edmiston, a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Pryor, Oklahoma. He was born on November 2, 1950, in Salina, Oklahoma to Judith Ann Springer. Raised by his loving grandparents Paul and Lucy Springer, he attended school in both Sand Springs and Salina, graduating with the Salina High School class of 1969. From there, Tuffy proudly served in the United States Air Force, demonstrating his commitment to his country. Prior to his retirement many years ago, he worked professionally as a lineman and in the warehouse for GRDA.  Early in life, Tuffy developed a passion for music. Receiving his first set of drums as a child from his grandparents, his passion quickly grew to a talent that was well known throughout the community. Over the course of his life, he played with a number of bands and performed regularly at nightclubs and events. Tuffy also spent many years actively involved with the Claremore Racing Pigeon Club. He enjoyed breeding, raising, and training homing pigeons as well as competing in pigeon races where he won many awards and accolades. Later in life, he delighted in riding motorcycles regularly and taking many day trips with his friends and relatives. Throughout his life, Tuffy was known for his vibrant personality and outgoing nature. He had a knack for being the life of the party at family gatherings, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. Tuffy's memory will be cherished by his surviving family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Tuffy's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service in Pryor. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service. 

Tuffy is survived by his children, Tanya Graves and husband Todd of Pryor, Oklahoma, and LeAnna Gardner and husband Clint of Pryor, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Kyla Edmiston and Cooper Graves; sisters, Patricia Piccola and husband Don Morgan of Ferris, Texas and Margie Gardner and husband Jack of Salina, Oklahoma; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Judith Walker, father William Scott, grandparents, Paul and Lucy Springer, and one great-grandchild.