Donald Rex Munson was born on December 18, 1934, in the small town of Zafra, Oklahoma, to the late Orson Munson and the late Oza Mae Moore Munson. Don passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on August 9, 2022, in Norman, Oklahoma.
Don spent his childhood years living in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Wichita North High School. Don later enlisted in the United States Navy serving in the Philippines and in San Diego.
After serving in the military, Don returned to Wichita. It was there he met his future bride, Abilene Farris Munson, his wife of 56 years. Don decided to pursue a career in education. An avid lover of history, Don enrolled at Arkansas State Teachers College, later the University of Central Arkansas, where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1963. He initially taught middle school history, science and math in Piedmont, Kansas. He was also the middle school basketball coach, winning a state championship during his tenure. He returned to Arkansas State Teachers College, earning a Master’s of Science in Physical Education degree. He taught physical education in the Derby, Kansas Public Schools until his retirement.
Those that knew Don know that he enjoyed traveling, visiting any casino and Yorkshire Terriers, especially his Pasha. However, his biggest joys were his daughter, Melodi Munson Franklin and his grandchildren, Autumn and Tyler Franklin. Don enjoyed seeing their various activities including Autumn’s numerous musical theater performances and Tyler’s frequent baseball games. He followed sports of all types, including the Oklahoma Sooners, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Kansas City Royals. Don was also a great baker. His chocolate cake with cream cheese icing was always sought after on birthdays and holidays.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bobbie Joe Munson and Max Munson and his sister, Juanita Munson Terry.
Don is survived by his wife, Abilene Munson; his daughter, Melodi Franklin and son-in-law, Tim Franklin; grandchildren, Autumn Franklin and Tyler Franklin; brother, Herb Munson; brothers-in-law Lindell “Buster” Farris and Danny Farris; sisters-in-law, Ruthie Munson, Faye Farris and Lila Farris and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Friday, August 19, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Timbo Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Timbo, Arkansas, with Brother Junior Barham officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service at Timbo Cemetery in Timbo, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Tyler Franklin, Jesse Farris, Justin Farris, Brently Farris, Ethan Farris and Roman Franklin. Honorary pallbearers are Lindell Farris, Danny Farris, Randy Farris, Patrick Franklin, Michael Wells, Jeff Ferrell, Andrew Mote and Mark Munson.
