Paul David Driskill, Jr.

A Graveside service to honor the life of Paul David Driskill, Jr. will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Highland Cemetery in Okemah, OK with pastor Lawrence Matlock officiating.

Paul David Driskill, Jr., better known as David or “Son”, was born on the family land at Pauls Valley, OK on December 27, 1931 and died on December 5, 2020 in Okmulgee, OK. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Rutland Driskill, by only 2 weeks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ena Driskill of Pauls Valley and by sisters Juanita Baker, Dorothy Barnett and Irene Clark as well. He is survived by sister-in-law Ellen Greenley and her husband Mike, as well as, 4 children, Karena Driskill, Ronald Driskill, Michael Driskill, Gwyenda Driskill-Dunn, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and countless former students.

David accepted Jesus as Savior at the age of 17 and studied the Bible in depth. He served in many Baptist churches, especially as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church, Goodwell, OK. He loved to talk and teach about the Bible.

David graduated from high school in Pauls Valley, OK then began a career as a typist in the newspaper business, which led him to Illinois. He later went to Michigan for a job in the newspaper business and as a “Tent Maker,” which was a church planting ministry. David returned to Oklahoma to attend East Central State University in Ada, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He met Margaret, the love of his life, while in college.

After teaching high school business for a few years, David moved his young family to Dubuque, IA so he could earn a Masters in Education at Clarke College. He subsequently earned a Doctorate in Education at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
David taught in numerous elementary schools, secondary schools and universities throughout Oklahoma. He taught in his dream job as a Full Professor at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK and was Head of the Reading Clinic from 1976-1992. While in Goodwell, David was raised to the degree of a Master Mason in the Blue Lodge. He served the community through the Masons, as well as, a deacon in church. He and Margaret retired and moved to Okmulgee, OK to be near family. Upon retirement, he continued to be an educator, even in informal ways.

David never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone, about anything, at any time. He made friends quickly and helped others. David had an affinity for antiques and enjoyed sharing and talking about his collection. He was a loving dad and enjoyed having his children and grandchildren to visit. He was a devoted husband to Margaret and helped her through her health issues. David’s legacy is one of faithfulness to God, love of his family, advocate for education and service to others. He is greatly missed.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Okmulgee Funeral Service. Friends and family can share memories and order flowers online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com