Donald Ray “Coach” Farris
Donald Ray “Coach” Farris, 92, of Canadian, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Tulsa. The family will host a visitation on Thursday, January 16, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services are set for Friday, January 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel in McAlester, with the Rev. Dr. Jim Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Savanna Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Farris officiating there. Funeral music will be provided by the Rev. Bobby Hall.
Donald “Coach” Farris was born on February 23, 1932 in Savanna to Raymond Farris and Naomi (Welch) Farris. At the age of 92, Coach Farris sadly passed from this life on January 8, 2025 in Tulsa, surrounded by his family members. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Naomi Farris, and 2 sisters, Olna Farris and Delores Farris-Williams. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Vicque, of the home; 3 sons, Dale Farris, Terry Farris and wife Kelly, and Brandon Farris; 5 daughters, Sherry Mc-Daniel, Shelly Dortch and husband Jeff, Lori Thouvenal and husband Jared, Charla Landwermeyer, and Marla Farris; and a brother, David Farris and wife Marie. Don was PaPa to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Savanna High School, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January, 1957, and served 4 years during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he utilized the GI Bill and enrolled at Southeastern State University, where he played basketball and ran track. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree and was ready to pursue his dream of coaching. He later received his Master’s Degree. Spanning several decades, Coach Farris coached numerous sports, but football was his passion. Having coached different sports for decades in Oklahoma and New Mexico, his passion for football culminated in 1964, when the Holdenville Wolverines brought home the Gold Ball, under the leadership of Coach Farris. His teams made the playoffs ten times, including a run of eight in a row. The coveted “Gold Ball” is prominently displayed at Holdenville high School. His coaching success was rewarded by being asked to coach in the Greater Tulsa Shrine Bowl in 1990. In July of 1997, Coach Farris joined an elite group of his peers by being inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame. This award was received with such pride to be recognized and rewarded for sharing his passion. During his 54-year career in education and coaching, he touched the lives of many young students and players.
Don was of the Baptist faith and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Canadian. The lasting imprint on so many lives can be attested to by the out-pouring of love since his passing.
