Donald Ray Lightner

Donald Ray Lightner, 77, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 6th from natural causes. He was born to Everet Lee & Lillie Boggs Lightner on February 7, 1938 – his fathers 28th Birthday – in Norman, Oklahoma. He was the second child, only son, with three sisters. His family moved to Glenpool in 1950, where they operated Lightner Grocery. Donald worked at the family grocery store after school from 8th grade through high school. He dearly loved the older citizens, especially delivering their groceries and newspapers during his high school days, mostly on his bicycle.

It was during his school years at Glenpool that Donald met the love of his life, Lovella Keeton. Donald and Lovella were married on February 15, 1957, at Airview Assembly of God Church by the Rev. F.C. Cornell. They built their home in Glenpool and were blessed with two wonderful children, Eddie and Becky, both attending and graduating from Glenpool High School.

Donald began working for Wonder Bread while still in high school and retired after 30 years. While still working at Wonder Bread Donald saw the need in his community for HVAC and decided to learn the trade and teach it to his son. Through hard work at both careers, he developed his HVAC business, Lightner Heat and Air, to the point that it would support his retirement from Wonder Bread at age 50. Donald's strong work ethic grew what began as a hobby into a successful business that employed 60 people at its height and was a staple in the community for nearly 30 years. Even after a devastating fire in 2004 completely destroyed the original building in Glenpool, bringing business to a standstill, Donald's determination and tenacity allowed him to rebuild and reopen Lightner Heat and Air and continue to serve the community. He was a well-known businessman, known for his honesty, generosity and constant willingness to lend a helping hand.

Donald was very active in the Glenpool community and instrumental in organizing many community projects that continue today. Among his many accomplishments, he sponsored and organized the first little league baseball teams in Glenpool, was Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #188 and served as President of the Glenpool Lions Club during their Rodeo days. He served ten years on the Glenpool School Board, during which time football was restored to Glenpool; once he left the Board he continued to be active with the Glenpool School Alumni Association. He also served several years on the Community Advisory Board of Directors for BancFirst in Glenpool and Jenks. Through all of his many endeavors, he was most thankful for his time with the Volunteer Fire Department in the late 50’s & 60’s.

Donald was an active member of New Spring Family Church, formerly Airview Tabernacle Assembly of God, and served as both Trustee and Deacon. Although loud, boisterous and a friend of all, Donald's greatest accomplishment and pleasure was quietly helping someone in need, which he did often and without hesitation.

Donald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lovella, son Ed Lightner and wife Connie of Glenpool, OK; daughter Becky Burney and husband Bo of Hoffman, OK; four granddaughters Alissa Poynor and husband Brek of Boston, MA, Kari VanHoose and husband Isaac of Virginia Beach, VA, Kaci Lightner of Oklahoma City, OK, Ashley Burney of Glenpool, OK; one grandson Aaron Burney and fiancé Skylar Wholaver of Hoffman, OK; Four great-grandchildren Oliver and Caroline Poynor and Elijah and Lovella VanHoose; three sisters Barbara Hamilton of Oklahoma City, OK, Opal Bledsoe of Tulsa, OK, and Karen Smith of Bixby, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as church and business friends.

Services are planned for Friday, October 9, 2015, at 2pm, at NewSpring Family Church with internment at Green Hills Memorial Gardens. In honor of Donald's passion for giving to others, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Spring Family Church youth facility.

Arrangements were entrusted to Schaudt’s Glenpool Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com