Donald "Don" Edwin Hisey, 73, of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Blackwell. Don leaves behind a family and a community that felt his presence more than words can easily capture.
Born July 10, 1952, Don lived a life measured not in grand gestures, but in showing up. He was steady, determined, & always present- witnessing everything around him with a quiet smile. He married the love of his life, Glenda, in May of 1975, & together they built a family and a life that was entirely their own.
A proud Oklahoma State University alumnus through & through, Don earned both an Associate's degree in Petroleum Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from the Stillwater campus. He carried that Cowboy pride with him everywhere he went.
He dedicated 37 years to working at Smith International in a variety of roles, from a Machine Operator to Production Supervisor & Production Manager. During his time at Smith, he built a reputation as someone who showed up, did the work, & did it right. Don never needed the spotlight or recognition. He just wanted to know it was a job well done- and it almost always was, when he had his hand in it.
Don had a gift that few people truly possess- an almost innate understanding of how things work. Give him an engine, a motor, or anything mechanical, and he was in his element. He could diagnose a problem before most people even knew one existed, and he rarely encountered something he couldn't fix. He was convinced there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do & honestly, it was hard to prove him wrong.
In his later years, some of his greatest joy came from simply sitting back and watching his kids & grandkids play or tinker or accomplish their goals. He didn't need to be at the center of anything. Being there was enough- as a spectator, as a guide. For Don, that was love.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda; his children, Dan Hisey {Jamie Rateliff}, Eric {Jessica Karpilo}, & his daughter Jessica Aycock {Bill Aycock}; his grandsons, Logan Hisey, John Aycock, and Jameson Aycock; and all those who felt his presence more than they can easily put into words.
Don will be quietly, deeply missed!
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Monday, June 1, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Tonkawa, with Rev. Nathan Oney officiating. Burial to follow at Resthaven-Sunset Memorial Parks in Ponca City, Oklahoma, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church.