Donald Parker Frank

Donald Parker “Don” Frank was born to Clyde and Lillie Mae (Parker) Frank on September 28, 1933, in Altus, Oklahoma. He spent his whole life in Altus where he developed the quiet character, steadfast work ethic, and strong values that would define his life.

Following his graduation from high school, Don attended Southwestern State College in Weatherford, earning a master's degree in education. College not only prepared him for a lifetime of teaching but also introduced him to the love of his life, Bettychene Martin. The two were united in marriage on June 3, 1955, in Altus. After a short stint in the United States Army, and a year of teaching in Leadville, Colorado, they realized that their true home was southwest Oklahoma. Their family was completed with the arrival of cherished daughters, Tamara and Donell.

Don began his career teaching at Northeast Junior High before continuing his passion for education at Altus Junior College. He later retired from what is now Western Oklahoma State College after more than three decades of faithfully investing in the lives of countless students. His influence reached multiple generations, not only through the lessons he taught in the classroom but through the example he set each day. His superpower was not his vast understanding of complex mathematical functions, but his ability to help regular folks understand the basic principles. He was never formally trained as a math teacher. He taught himself every lesson before presenting it to his students. He understood their struggles because he lived the struggle himself.

Family was the heartbeat of Don's life. Alongside Betty, he faithfully attended every basketball game, concert, and musical in which their daughters participated. Whether sitting in the bleachers or the audience, they were always their girls' biggest fans. Summers were often spent at the lake, where Don taught his daughters (and everyone else in town) to water ski and created memories they would treasure forever. His happiest day was the day he turned the boat keys over to Donell, so he could spend time with his “Hot Springs” friends at the cabin.

He also loved the simple joys of life. Many afternoons were spent exploring the backroads of southwest Oklahoma, driving dirt roads with Betty and the girls, Bernice, and his nephew, Kevin, appreciating God's beautiful creation and enjoying one another's company. Those quiet adventures became some of the family's most treasured moments.

Don was a man of remarkable gentleness. Slow to anger and quick to forgive, he never found value in speaking ill of others. Those who knew him best carry the same memory of him, that he was, without exception - kind. It was the thread running through every conversation with his friends, not one story of unkindness, only one of a gentle man who made people feel welcome. His home was always a place of comfort, peace, and unconditional love. Whenever someone needed the security of home, Don welcomed them with open arms.

Retirement brought another dream fulfilled when Don quite literally "bought the farm”. His farm near Headrick and the Angus cows quickly became his happy place. He found great satisfaction in caring for the land and cattle, watching storms roll across the horizon, and listening to the songs of the birds. Yet, those closest to him knew that his true happy place was wherever his girls happened to be. Nothing brought him greater joy than having his family gathered together once again.

Above all else, Don was a faithful man whose life reflected unwavering character, quiet strength, and acceptance of anyone who took time to slow down and visit with him. His daily lunch at the senior center became his touchstone. Even if the girls were in town, he would head out at 11:00 AM because he couldn’t miss his hugs and the conversations that fed his soul. Having lived 92 well-blessed years, Don entered the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Bettychene Frank; his parents, Clyde and Lillie Mae Frank; his brother, C.D. Frank; sisters-in-law, Millie Jo Morris and Barbara Ellis; and his niece, Karla.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Tamara Frank and husband, George Tate and Donell Frank and husband, Juan Ramirez; his brother-in-law, Bennie Ellis; his sister-in-law, Joy Frank; nieces and nephews, Kevin, Kerry, Pam, Gay, Scott, Bennie, Kevin, and Brad; his special caregiver, Bernice Barela; and many former students, friends, and loved ones who were blessed by his gentle spirit.

A Come and Go Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 5th. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 6th, in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel. Burial will immediately follow at Altus City Cemetery.

The service livestream may be viewed at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/ZZZNVC. Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.