Oklahoma City, OK - Donald Booker Childress, 81, of Oklahoma City, died Sunday, April 19, 2026. Don was born to Martha (Booker) and Leon Childress on Sept. 26, 1944, in Joplin, Missouri, and grew up in Baxter Springs, Kansas.

After graduating in 1962 from Baxter Springs High School, where he was a popular student known for his charm and flashing blue eyes, he went to his beloved University of Kansas, earning a business degree in 1966. He remained a devoted Jayhawk for the rest of his life.

Don moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to work at the family business, the Quapaw Company. He became a popular presence around Oklahoma State University, befriending coaches and alumni and making many lifelong friends before moving to Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1985.

After leaving Quapaw, Don started a successful home building business, Childress Custom Homes. His clients adored him and depended on his expertise for 40 years, and his skill and dedication to his profession can be seen in his beautiful homes throughout Edmond and Oklahoma City.

Don loved to golf, which he only gave up after his back refused to cooperate. He was a charter member of Oak Tree Golf Club, where he played countless rounds of golf and left many friends penniless from late-night gin games. Don was also an instrument-rated pilot in his youth, which added to his roguish persona. The life of any party, Don could talk to anyone and he will be missed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Leon Childress, and his brother, Bob Childress. He is survived by his wife, Dana, and their son Jack Childress; three children from his marriage to Nancy (Ruzicka) Mills, Allyson Childress, John Childress and Katy Johanson; the four children's spouses; as well as two grandchildren, Ally and Milly Johanson. Also surviving are his sister, Carol Jones, and his nieces Ginny Dagg, Laura Gibson and Kimberly Temple, and their spouses.

His memorial service, provided by Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, will begin at 1 p.m. on April