Donald Martin Thompson

Donald Martin Thompson came rushing into this world on August 28, 1936, and never slowed down until he received his well-deserved rest on January 15, 2025. Don was born to Ted and Eva (Robertson) Thompson in Custer County, Oklahoma. He grew up on the family farm west of Clinton, Oklahoma, and attended a rural school in Stafford. He met his future wife, Sara Lou Calmes, at a baseball game in Clinton; they were married on September 19, 1954. They enjoyed 60 years together traveling across the contiguous United States — especially loving Colorado. They worked hard, saved up, and built their treasured mountain cabin outside Creede, Colorado in 1974. They spent summers there every year until Sallie’s passing in 2014.

Don was the parts manager at the Chevrolet dealership in Elk City, Oklahoma, until 1968, when Davis Chevrolet in Borger, Texas, came calling. Don and Sallie packed up their family of six and moved to Borger, where he served as Parts and Service Manager for many years. He later worked for Worsham Grading and got to live every boy’s childhood dream of operating big equipment. He finished his long working career at M&M NAPA Auto Parts.

Don was known for his love of automobiles; he restored several vintage trucks and traveled the country to National Historic Truck Society shows. He was the editor of the “Wheels of Time” magazine, held many leadership roles in civic organizations, and received a lifetime membership for his work with the Girls Scouts of America. He was a talented woodworker, blacksmith, and leatherworker; often combining a myriad of skills to create gifts for friends and family. He was a Master Gardener, a history buff, and an avid reader. Don was a huge sports fan and attended every game he possibly could that his grandchildren played in, often scorekeeping for his own records. He loved the Texas Rangers, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Cowboys.

Don loved his Lord and Savior with all his might and worked to instill those values in his family. He texted daily “Words of Wisdom” Bible verses to friends and family. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Borger and served as an Elder for many years. He had the extreme pleasure of being baptized in the Jordan River in 2018.

The father of four daughters, Don, was the epitome of a Girl Dad. He was involved in all their activities, helping however he could. He loved his family and friends immensely and would do anything for them. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sallie, his parents, and his brother Ray Thompson. Those surviving him with cherished memories are his four daughters, Debbie (Robert) Winegar, Carla Thompson, Gayla (Buddy) Cox, and Angela (John) Kaplan; seven grandchildren, Scott Winegar, Trey (Haley) Cox, Casey Winegar, Bradley (Cala) Cox, Zach (Allyson) Kaplan, Courtney (Benjamin) Bain, Hannah (Matthew) Kennedy; and seven great-grandchildren, Camden, Stella, Darby, Calloway, Bella, Oscar, and Luke; and many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, Don’s memory may be honored with a gift to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700) or a favorite charity.

A private graveside service was held in Clinton, Oklahoma. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, January 20 at 11:00 AM at Faith Covenant Church, 200 N McGee, Borger, Texas.

Well done my good and faithful servant – Matthew 25:23

Services under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home, 2500 W. Modelle Ave, Clinton, OK 73601.