Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Don McCorkell Obituary
June 28, 1947 - March 25, 2025
Don McCorkell, Former Oklahoma Legislator, Filmmaker, Photographer and Writer, Dies at 77.
Don McCorkell, a longtime Oklahoma legislator, attorney, environmental advocate, and documentary filmmaker, passed away on March 25 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. He was 77.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Don made Tulsa, Oklahoma, his home for most of his life before relocating to California in his later years. He earned both a bachelor's degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa, laying the foundation for a life devoted to public service and civic engagement.
Don represented Tulsa's 72nd district in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1979 to 1996. During his 17-year tenure, he became known for his commitment to economic development, public education, and bipartisan cooperation. He was widely respected for his pragmatic approach and willingness to reach across the aisle to serve the people of Tulsa.
In 1996, Don stepped down from the legislature to run for the U.S. Senate, and a decade later, ran for Mayor of Tulsa in 2006. His campaigns reflected his deep passion for civic responsibility and a lifelong dedication to improving his community.
After his political career, Don turned his focus to environmental documentary filmmaking. His 2009 film, A River of Waste: The Hazardous Truth About Factory Farms, offered a stark examination of industrial agriculture's impact on ecosystems and public health. The film garnered critical attention and exemplified Don's commitment to environmental justice and sustainable food systems.
A voracious reader and devoted writer, Don was passionate about literature and storytelling in all its forms. In his final work, the unpublished book Last Suppers, he wrote:
"Look for justice and you won't find it. Look for mercy, or love, or beautyyou can find all of those."
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn McCorkell, who passed away two years earlier. He is survived by his two sons and five grandchildren, along with a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers who remember him for his intellect, integrity, and enduring drive to make a difference.
A private memorial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's honor to Doctors Without Borders.
"We all die, but not all of us truly live. I have lived, and I am grateful for that." - Don McCorkell, *Last Suppers*.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don McCorkell
3 Entries
Stanley Riggs
June 29, 2025
I went to Church, high school and college with Don and knew his wife Marilyn from those days. While I couldn´t vote for him I agreed with his politics. While we went different ways after college I always thought of him as a friend. My sympathy to his family.
Janessa Bookout
June 23, 2025
Don and Marilyn were both such an inspiration to me as I watched their ascension from humble beginnings in Tulsa to a stunning estate in Santa Barbara. They showed me real life examples of what was possible for us "regular folks" and I loved the fact that they kept their hearts in the right place, regardless of circumstances, always putting their family first. We valued similar things like the environment and the fine arts, so I learned a lot from them both in the years we worked together in California. Today I´m grateful to consider all of the McCorkells, especially my longtime friend Joe, to be a part of my extended family of friends. My deepest condolences go out to all of the family and friends. Rest in Paradise Don, I am picturing you smiling down on us all, at peace with sweet Marilyn by your side once again
Richard Hedgecock
June 23, 2025
I have been a professional in the government affairs marketplace for about 40 years and consider Don to be one of my great mentors. A brilliant mind, charismatic leader, heartfelt believer and genuine friend to many. I'm so happy that he and Marilyn got to live out their years in beautiful Santa Barbara.
I still quote him to this day: "There are three steps to passing a piece of legislation - Don't Die, Stay Alive, Win."
Don was a winner and will be missed. We all need more Flaming Moderates in our lives.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Don McCorkell's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Don McCorkell
How to support Don's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Don McCorkell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
