Donald “Don” Gene Spurgin Obituary
On Sunday, April 12, 2020, Donald “Don” Gene Spurgin, loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and principal, passed away at the age of 85 in his home in Oklahoma City surrounded by loved ones.
Don was born on November 9, 1934 in Seminole, OK to Wesley and Vivian (Kistler) Spurgin. He graduated from Stroud High School in 1952. Don enlisted in the Army for two years and then attended Central State University, graduating in 1958. He received his Masters and Doctorate degrees years later. Don was a passionate educator, focused on history, coach of football and basketball and principal in many school systems across the state. On March 5, 1954, he married the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Verba Nell Belch. They raised two daughters, Sherri and Susan.
Don was an amazingly active person. He enjoyed working in his yard and gardening. Don took joy in vacationing with family and especially loved camping. He took skiing up at the age of 55 and enjoyed ski trips with family, friends and became an avid member of the Oklahoma City Ski Club. Don loved playing golf and especially Tuesday outings with the “Fools Group”. At close to 80 years of age, it was just like Don to take up a new hobby, working out at the Lighthouse. Loved ones wondered which he enjoyed more, the physical activity or drinking coffee afterwards with his countless friends.
Don was a man of strong faith, which guided him in all facets of his life. He was a longtime member of Heritage Baptist Church where he especially loved singing in the choir and attending Sunday school. Don had an incredible group of Christian brothers from his bible study class that were there for him until the very end. Don’s passing on Easter Sunday was so appropriate for a man of his deep faith.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Wesley, his mother, Vivian and his sisters Junie and Jan. He is survived by his wife Verba, and his two daughters, Sherri Augustus (Larry) and Susan McMonigle (Terry), his grandchildren Kathryn Seeliger (Carl), Austin Augustus and Aaron Augustus (Leah), great grandchildren Brittney, Ashley and Aaliyah Seeliger and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral service details are pending.
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