Donald Irvin Phelps, 84 of Valliant, passed away April 1, 2024 at his residence. He was born April 26,
1939 at Cache, Oklahoma, the son of John and Angela Mitchell Phelps. He met Catherine Hudak while
serving in the United States Navy. The two were married March 11, 1967. He fulfilled the remainder of
his service career with the United States Marine Corp FMF. He was a Vietnam War Veteran and was
very proud of his military career.
After serving his military career, Donald had many hobbies including woodworking and cooking. He was
an experimental cook and it usually turned out well. He loved to laugh and have a good time. He had a
great “belly laugh”. He loved to just drive and liked wearing his cowboy boots. He was witty and loved
his wife and family dearly.
Donald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Catherine Phelps; son, Michael Phelps and wife Victoria of
Valliant; daughters, Kimberly Phelps of Idabel, Teresa Phelps of Valliant, Paula James and husband E.J. of
Long Beach, California; grandchildren, Joshua Phelps, Alicia Salinas; Joesif Phelps, Ashley Churchwell;
Jordan Phelps, Johnathon Phelps, Montgomery Phelps, K-Lee James, Ciara James, Tiara James; great-
grandchildren, Braxton Marks, Pepper Churchwell, Raelee Churchwell, Josie Churchwell, Cataleya Taylor,
Amara Taylor, Aleena Taylor, Kinsley Stephens, Jayden Phelps; numerous nieces, nephews, other
relatives and friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, John and Angela Phelps; brother, Michael Phelps and
sister, Charlene Clark; grandchildren, Colton Phelps and Cody Phelps.
A Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church
with Father Joe Towsend officiating. Interment will follow in the Valliant Cemetery, Valliant, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 13 SE
Jefferson St., Idabel, OK 74745.
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