Donald Burkhead, Sr.

Graveside services for Donald Ray Burkhead, Sr., 82, of Roff are 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at East Hill Cemetery in Roff; Rev. Fred Bailey will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada.

Mr. Burkhead passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at his home. He was born November 17, 1943, in West Ridge, AR, to Hubert Clarence and Jewel Dean McCurry Burkhead.

On August 17, 1963, he married Betty Louise Mosley in Bakersfield, CA.

He lived a life marked by hard work, faith, and service to others. In his earlier years, he worked as a farm laborer, learning the value of dedication and perseverance. He later spent more than 30 years as a truck driver, providing faithfully for his family and earning the respect of those who knew him for his strong work ethic and dependable spirit. Alongside his career, he devoted over 30 years as a volunteer prison minister, sharing compassion, encouragement, and hope with countless individuals. He will be remembered for his humble heart, servant’s spirit, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of so many.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; children, Sheila Marie Bradley, of Roff, Donald Ray Burkhead, Jr. and wife, Marsha, of Roff, and Michael Dewayne Burkhead, of Roff; brother, Sherman Burkhead and wife, Marcia, of South Dakota; sister, Shirley, of Tulsa; 10 grandchildren, Jeffery Scott Bacon and wife, Amber, Nathen Wayne Bacon, Jessica Louise Carter and husband, Cole, Donald Ray Burkhead III and wife, Breana, Matthew Wade Burkhead and wife, Ashleigh, Chelsea, Shelby Ann Olson and husband, Christian, Cameron Michael Burkhead, Jennifer Shoemaker, and Michael Shoemaker; 23 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Geraldeen Persons; three brothers, Larry, Robert, and Bill Burkhead; two sisters, Barbara and Nina; one grandson, Anthony Wade Burkhead; and one daughter-in-law, Pamela Burkhead.