Donald Edward DeSpain

Donald Edward DeSpain, age 77, went to his heavenly home on April 4, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family and listening to his beloved 50’s-60’s music. Don was born on August 3, 1945 in Ponca City, OK to Willis and Lucille DeSpain. He spent his childhood in Red Rock, OK and Enid, OK, graduating from Enid High School in 1963. He went on to college at the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1967 and was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He is also a 1973 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. While in law school, he was elected to the The Order of the Coif, was topic editor of The Oklahoma Law Review and was a member of Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.  

Don’s legal career spanned 45 years where he represented numerous banks and other financial institutions in commercial lending and regulatory matters, as well as public and privately held companies and individuals in diverse corporate, transactional, commercial real estate and financial matters. His goal every day in being a business attorney was to help some person bring his or her dream to reality. He also loved mentoring younger lawyers not only for the reason of wanting to pass on what he learned from years of experience, but also to receive the exhilaration and vibrant energy that comes with youth. 

Don had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of First Christian Church of Edmond, where he was named Elder Emeritus in 2018. He also was a very proud Oklahoman. He could tell you the history of almost any building in downtown OKC, and anytime he met someone, he always asked where they were from and wanted to talk about their hometown.  

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger DeSpain. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathi DeSpain, son Jeff (Erin) DeSpain of Oklahoma City, daughter Jennifer (Rich) Alexander of Tulsa, OK, and his beloved grandchildren Quinn and Dax.  

Don loved and led his family so well. He was the perfect combination of deep love, strong principles, fun, mischief, hard work and faith. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. Don wanted to write his own obituary, but unfortunately did not get the chance. While we are certain that it would have been much wittier and well written than this one, we hope we have honored him well.  

Services will be at First Christian Church, Edmond, OK on Tuesday April 11^th, 2023 at 2:30 PM. Public Viewing will be held at Matthew’s Funeral Home, Edmond, OK on Monday April 10^th from 5:00-7:00 PM. The service will be live streamed for anyone unable to attend: http://www.fccedmond.org/despain In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project or First Christian Church Breakfast on Boulevard.