Funeral services for Don Lawrence Schenk, 84, of Chickasha, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 in the Epworth United Methodist Church with Reverend Scott Keneda officiating.
Don Lawrence Schenk was born April 29 1932, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, the son of Roy and Evelyn (Austin) Schenk. He peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, August 21, 2016 in his home encircled by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Emily Schenk.
He married Elizabeth Ann Huntley on June 7, 1953. Three children were born to this union; Alan, Dona, and Jeff.
Don attended and graduated from Chickasha High School in 1950, where he was actively involved in the FFA program. He loved showing cattle, participating in many shows and exhibiting the Grand Champion Market Steer at the Oklahoma State Fair. He served as chapter president and received both the STAR State Farmer of Oklahoma Award and the American Farm Degree.
Don and Beth Ann began dairying in 1953 and continued this venture as Do-Be Holstein Farms. In 1982 they were recognized as the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year. They instilled in their children a dedication to family by taking part in dairy shows and competitions. Don semi-retired in 2000, passing the family farm down to his sons and grandsons. Throughout his life, Don led by example in treating others with fairness, kindness, and compassion. Don and Beth shared a unique, loving bond that will never end.
Don always had a special love for anything agriculture related. He believed in rural America and was dedicated to working in organizations that promoted the agricultural community, its youth, and programs. Don was a member of the Oklahoma Holstein Association; served as Director of the Grady County Farm Bureau; and served as a Director of the Federal Land Bank of Anadarko for 20 years.
He is survived by his wife, Beth Ann of the home; three children Alan and Kendra Schenk of Chickasha; Dona and Chris Parrish of Pocasset; Jeff Schenk and friend Sarah Reynolds of Chickasha; six grandchildren, Clay and Holly Parrish, Tori and John Breedlove, Kyle and Lisa Schenk, Justin Schenk and friend Kelsey Ford, Korey and Alyssa Schenk, and Kody Schenk, eight great-grandchildren, Cash and Clayre Parrish; Taylor Breedlove; Blake, Boston, J.P and Brecken Schenk; sister Norma Jean Spradlin of Oklahoma City, brother Ed Schenk and wife, Mark, of Chickasha, brother-in-law Bill Huntley of Colorado, numerous nieces and nephews.
The casket will be open for viewing at the funeral home and before the service at the church, and will be closed after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 518, Chickasha, OK 73023.
Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.