Richard E. Doner
MIDWEST CITY - Dr. Richard Earl Doner of Midwest City, 90, passed away April 10, 2022. He was born in Francis, Oklahoma on November 5, 1931 to James and Catherine Agnes (née Beeman) Doner. After graduating from high school in Tulsa, he served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon discharge, he returned home to earn his undergraduate degree from Northeastern State Teachers College in Tahlequah, OK. It was during this time that he met his wife Glenda; they married in 1957 before moving to Oklahoma City so Richard could attend medical school, ultimately graduating in June of 1963.
Richard ultimately established his medical practice in Midwest City and he continued to practice family medicine for over 50 years in family medicine. Dr. Doner loved going to work; being a doctor was far more than a job to him. His children frequently heard him say, “I don’t have to go to work. I get to go to work!” Undoubtedly his true gift was his ability to compassionately connect with his patients, provide care for them, and express authentic interest in their lives. It was only when Glenda became ill that Richard retired, stating “She is the most important patient I have to take care of.”
In 1968, Richard accepted Jesus as his savior and his life was never the same again. He would want you to know that everything good about him was because of Jesus. His steadfast spirit of compassion and kindness paired with his love for people endeared him to practically anyone who ever met him. He was the best embodiment of Jesus’ love by genuinely and selflessly serving countless numbers of people, providing an example to his children and those around him of how to love unconditionally.
Richard is survived by daughter Amy Loper & husband Eric; son Richard E. Doner II & wife Chrysi; daughter Rachel Shingleton & husband Simon; brother August Doner & wife Sammie; eight cherished grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends. These last five years he was blessed to find a loving companion in Karen McGrath. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Glenda Blanche (Horn) Doner; father & stepmother, James & Maudell Doner; mother and stepfather Catherine & Joe Hill; siblings Patricia Haizlip and Byron Doner. Visitation will be available Thursday from 12 to 8pm. Services to celebrate his life will be 3pm on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the South Lakes Chapel with burial to follow at Heritage Burial Park.
“There has not been one day of doubt about eternal life or what will happen to me when I die. It is with all my heart that I now realize that for me as a Christian, death is only a crossover into new life that will last forever. Nothing in this world would please me more than to know that all my friends and relatives would be with me forever in this new life after ‘death.’” -Richard E. Doner