Donald Ray Taplin Sr.

Donald Ray Taplin Sr.

February 15, 1965 – [Date of Passing]

Donald Ray Taplin Sr., beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and intellectual depth that touched all who knew him.

Born on February 15, 1965, in Clinton, Oklahoma, Donald was the cherished son of the late Ollie Taplin and Hattie Taplin. He attended Clinton Public Schools where he was recognized as a gifted and talented young man. From an early age, Donald showed a creative spirit—constructing his own bicycles, which became both his toys and his trusted means of transportation. His love for cycling remained a daily routine, riding his bike as faithfully as one would a car.

Throughout his life, Donald was employed as a domestic worker, contributing his time and talents in various roles across the Clinton area. He was a man of gentle demeanor, thoughtful intellect, and a quietly resilient soul. To know Donald was to know someone who listened more than he spoke, observed more than he proclaimed, and gave more than he received.

Donald was preceded in death by his father, Ollie Taplin; his nephew, Toriano Taplin; his niece, Rhonda Black; and his great-grandson, Rashawn Black.

He leaves behind a loving and proud family: his mother, Hattie Taplin of Clinton; his sons, Donald Taplin Jr. and Brice Taplin, both of Tulsa; his daughter, Misty Taplin-Phillips, also of Tulsa; and his grandchildren—Marcella, Ala, Acelyn, Daveon Godfrey, Jordan Taplin, and Julian Taplin. Donald is also survived by his devoted sisters: Verna Black, Barbara Taplin, and Cheryl Taplin of Dallas, Texas; Patricia Taplin of Oklahoma City; Nancy Manny of Arlington, Texas; and Terrel Blair of Garland, Texas. His brothers, Myron Taplin and Harold Taplin of Oklahoma City, also carry his memory forward, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even great-great nieces and nephews.

Donald was loved by many, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched with his gentle heart and enduring spirit.

A celebration of Donald’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Moreland officiating. Interment will follow at Clinton Cemetery. Services are under the care and direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.