Donald Eugene Okey

Donald Eugene Okey, 88, passed away in his home on the morning of Sunday, May 17th, 2026, surrounded with love by his family and friends. He was born on June 17, 1937, in Canton, Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Cordelia Okey; stepmother: Lena Okey; brother: Robert Okey; and sister: Donna Schmidt.

Survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris Okey; daughters: Kathy (William) Porter, Barbara Feliciano, Kimberly Tietz, and Carolyn (Doug) Carlson; sister: Elaine Keith; grandchildren: Trisha (Brad) Sims, Brittany McQuaide (Jon Gonzales), Sarah (Adam) Cook, Ryan (Ashley) Okey, Travis (Erin) Okey, Madison (Jacob) Carr, Lindsay Carlson (Elisabeth Pohle), Kyle Carlson; great-grandchildren: Landon Cook; Braylen Toomey, Jacie Okey, Ashton Okey, Jude Okey, Kaia Okey, Kavik Okey, Stella Carr.

Don could keep a conversation for hours and always had a story to tell. His curiosity fueled an interest towards everything in life - from aquatic creatures to John Deere tractors. Don often found himself immersed in wonder, excited to understand a new gadget or technology. The effect was contagious - people around him also often found themselves puzzling at an aspect of the universe that one often misses the chance to appreciate. When not toiling around in the yard, you'd often find Don working in his garage on little projects that he and his wife Doris often hatched together. A proficient artist and creator, Don loved to express his mind's creativity. Among his creations were custom cedar chests made for each daughter, painted murals and canvases, and holiday figurines for yard decor. Some of these projects are now family keepsakes, with rich sentimental value and a story to pass on through the generations.

Don was never idle; after retiring from a fulfilling career with Bridgestone-Firestone, he kept going, dabbling into real estate as an agent for Realtraccs. Having previously designed an aquarium concept called "Aqua Swag", which could be suspended from ceilings as a 'fish tank chandelier', Don built and maintained a Koi pond at his home in Brentwood, TN, which were later donated to the Grand Ole Opry Hotel aquarium. During the holidays, Don's famous homemade pumpkin pie was always a family hit, a point of pride. He also had a reputation as quite the prankster, often teaming with the grandkids to come up with some tomfoolery during the holiday get-togethers to keep things interesting. With a quick grin and a wink he'd get himself right back out of trouble (and the grandkids too, of course).

One special experience Don was always excited to recount was his flight home on the supersonic Concorde airplane during a trip from Europe back to the U.S., which took a fraction of the time than a normal flight. Other work excursions enabled Don to visit Bridgestone-Firestone plants in African countries, and even onto racetracks to learn advanced defensive-driving techniques from professionals. Don's life presented him with many continuous medical challenges, but despite it all, he lived with absolute zest and fought like a warrior for every day - cheating death on many occasions. Among all of his accomplishments, Don was most proud of the beautiful family that he helped to create, build, and foster into what we have today. Through thick-and-thin he showed up, always making sure everyone was safe and cared for - and that is the legacy he leaves behind to be carried forward.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 26th 2026 from 4-6 pm at Arnold & Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Homes, 4817 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, OH 44709. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 27th 2026 at 12:00 pm. Entombment will follow at North Lawn Cemetery, 4927 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, OH 44709.