Don Sherwood Rader
1936-2019
Don Sherwood Rader passed away unexpectedly May 1, 2019. Don was born in Shawnee, OK on September 25, 1936 to Nash and Inez Rader. He grew up in the Crutcho, Midwest City area and graduated from Choctaw High School. Don was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Farrell and Dick. He married Bonnie on June 2, 1956 and they had almost 63 years of wedded bliss. He is survived by wife Bonnie, daughter Melanie Rader of Edmond, OK; son Bret Rader of Fort Worth, TX and wife Kary, and daughter Sheree’ Foutch and husband Bill of Edmond, OK. He also leaves 3 wonderful grandchildren: Sabrina, Nash and Brady Rader.
Don worked for his parents in their grocery store for many years starting in high school. By the late 1960’s, he had learned to drive a semi-truck and began a 35 year career as a long distance over the road truck driver. He retired from Yellow Freight in 2001 and was a proud member of the Million Mile Club.
Don continued to stay busy after retirement doing the things he loved. His garden always had an abundance of tomatoes and corn that he shared with neighbors and friends. His yard was always freshly mowed and edged. At Christmas, everyone looked forward to Don coming with his boxes of handmade candy. Don became involved with the Mustang Club becoming a certified gold card judge while earning a Red Medallion for excellence for his 2002 Mustang. In the Oklahoma Mustang Club, he was an active member, a former board member, and car show chairman.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 6, 2019 at Waterloo Road Baptist Church in Edmond, OK with interment to follow at Arlington Memory Gardens in Midwest City, OK.
One of my favorite mentors in the Oklahoma Mustang Club. Always had a positive influence on all he met. He with be greatly missed. Prayers for Bonnie and family for our Lord’s blessing of strength, peace, and comfort.
Loved Don and his wonderful, witty cheerfulness. I’ll miss his smile and his humor the most. Very blessed to have him in my life the past 5 years! My heart goes out to his family during this time! Proud To Be…….
Don was someone I loved and respected. He will not be forgotten for the contributions he made to the Oklahoma Mustang Club. His latest effort was gathering products for the monthly club meeting raffle. I was a recipient of the handmade Christmas chocolates that he carefully wrapped and delivered. My condolences to Bonnie, Melinie and the whole Rader family.