Donnie Gene Shelley of Mounds, Oklahoma, passed from this life on November 3, 2025, at his home surrounded by the love of his family and friends.  He was born April 13, 1941, to John and Mahala Ethel (Parks) Shelley in Paint Creek, Kentucky. In 1962, Don moved to Oklahoma, where he met and married the love of his life.  Don and Cindy were married for 62 years before her passing.

​Don served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1965. After several years, he retired from McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing. Retirement didn't last long, and he returned as an aircraft mechanic in addition to private consulting with companies in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and North Carolina before retiring for good in 2007.

​Whether in work or retirement, he lived a full life that included being a member of the Masonic Lodge, his grandson Michael's partner at the Special Olympics, hunting with family and friends in Missouri and Oklahoma, boating, fishing, and gardening.  There wasn't much he couldn't grow or fix. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Family was always his priority, and he enjoyed quietly helping those in need.

​He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cindy, in September 2024; their only son, Donald, in December 2021; his sisters, RE Steely, Mandy Wetzel, and baby sister Mary Helen; his brothers, Otis Shelley, Harvey Shelley, and Nathan Shelley; and his grandson-in-law, Benjamin Bartsch.

​He is survived by his daughters Tammy and her husband Bryan Armitage of Mounds, Traci and her husband Tim Huff of Sapulpa, grandchildren Michael Huey, Jerry (Katrina) Young, Cynthia (Cory) Smith, Valarie Holly, Sarah (Isaac) Sanders, Taylor (Samantha) Huff, and Rachel (Ethan) Linfoot, and Great grandchildren Caden, Jayci, Carter, Marleigh, Cory Jr, Willow, Johnathan, Ethan, Jack, Judah, and Parker. He is also survived by his sisters Jessie Andrews, Ruth Hall, Selma McGee, and Bernice Smith; his brothers Morris Shelley, Chester Shelley, JL Shelley, and Billy Ray Shelley; and many treasured family members and friends.

Don's family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cathy Rice. Her love, kindness, and endless help with him were instrumental in helping us care for him at home.

Visitation will be 6:00pm - 8:00pm Friday, November 7,2025 at Traditions Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 1:00pm, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Mounds First Baptist Church 101 14th St. Mounds, Ok. Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S Main in Kellyville, Ok 918-247-7373