~Private Family Services~

~Friends can view services on Traditions Facebook page~

Donald "Don" Ray Cahwee passed from this life on December 15, 2020 at the age of 65 with his family by his side after a long 5 year battle with cancer.

Don was born on January 16, 1955 in Claremore, Ok to Francis Keener and was adopted and raised by William and Mary Cahwee of Tulsa, Ok.  Growing up, he attended Sapulpa Public Schools where he made fast and life-long friendships.  There is no one else that could maintain friendships like Don.

After high school graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Army where he served for three years in the 101 ^st Airborne Division stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  His last year of service, he met Lisa Carver and was married to her in 1978.  Don and Lisa had three children, Ashley, Skylar, ad Dylan between the years of 1982 to 1985.  Though Don and Lisa's marriage didn't last, they were dedicated to co-parenting and maintained close relationships with one another's families.

Don worked as a Tulsa World Newspaper carrier in the early morning hours and as a Heating and Air Technician in his early adult years after serving in the military.  He spent many years at the Tulsa Juvenile Detention Center as an officer and went from there to work at the Tulsa Job Corp.  Don loved helping hurting teens and tried to help guide them to a better life.

Don attended Northeastern State University, graduating in 2004 with a social work degree.  He was employed by Grace Hospice for 12 years where he dedicated his work to assisting families in taking care of their loved ones.  He enjoyed playing the part of Santa at nursing homes and family events at Christmastime.  Upon his leave from Grace, he became ill and decided to retire.

Don's spontaneity and kind heart caught Sharon Ferguson's attention and they were married on March 15, 2011 and made their home in Sapulpa, Ok the past seven years.  Even though they battled severe health issues during their marriage, they did it with humor and grace.  Don loved to travel and tackle new projects, but most of all he adored his children and grandchildren.  In his final days, he was surrounded by an outpouring of love from his family and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Don is preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Cahwee, daughter Skylar Dawn Cahwee, brothers Lonnie Dale Cahwee, Larry Joe Cahwee, and Louis Davis, and sister Elizabeth Lanktree.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon, birth mother Francis (Joe) Sanders, sister Stephanie Lawson, son Dylan Cahwee, daughter Ashley (Chris) Johnson, step-sons Dylan and Raymond (Melinda) Ferguson, step-daughter Tabatha (Stephen) Mortensen, grandchildren Gabrielle, Gwendolyn, Gavin, and Gracelyn Johnson, and Asher and Milo Mortensen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Private family services will be 10:00am, Monday, December 21, 2020 at Praise Fellowship Church, 201 S. Water, Sapulpa, Oklahoma (services are for family only). The service will be live streamed on Traditions Funeral Home Facebook page  for friends. Burial will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma at 2:00pm.  Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, Oklahoma, 918-247-7373.

Public viewing hours will be: Saturday, December 19, 2020 from noon to 5:00pm and Sunday, December 20, 2020 from 1:00-5:00pm.