Don Linton

Billy “Don” Linton a long time resident of Saint Louis, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully January 9, 2011 in his home.  His memorial service will be Thursday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of St. Louis, OK.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery in Okemah, OK at 3:30 p.m.  Don was born July 13, 1933 to Doyle and Ruth (Lemons) Linton near Okemah, Oklahoma.  He went to elementary school at Tiger Flat and the Fentress Elementary Schools.  He completed his secondary education at Okemah High School and graduated in May 1951.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Ruth Linton and one sister, Doylene June Linton.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Joy Colene, Son Brad and wife Edie Linton of Mansfield, TX; Daughter Amy and husband Wade King of Piedmont, OK; Grandchildren: Emily, Joshua and Rachel Linton; Jessica and Jenna King; One sister, Doris and husband Pack Miracle of Tulsa, OK; and sisters-in-law, Arlene Patterson of Lorena, TX, Pat and husband, Coy Quesenbury of Arlington, TX, Gerry Kenmore of Oklahoma City, OK and Louise Kenmore of Tulsa, OK., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. From the time he was a young boy he helped his father on the farm.   During his high school days he had various jobs in the Okemah area and joined the Army National Guard.  Following graduation he worked in the oil field around Okemah and for Purina Feeds in Oklahoma City. Don was drafted into the United States Army in May 1953 and took his basic training at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX.  His tour of duty took him to Europe where he served in the elite honor guard.   He was stationed at Verdun, France, and traveled throughout the country and in Belgium.  He had many interesting experiences and enjoyed reminiscing about his military service.  In May 1955, he fulfilled his commitment to the service of his country and returned to the family farm in Okemah, OK. October 20, 1956 he was married to Joy Colene Kenmore and the couple moved to OK City.  Don’s lifelong career was with the United States Post Office where he retired in 1992 with 33 years of service as a General Expeditor.    His dream to live in the country became a reality in 1970, when he and his wife purchased their current home and farm in the St. Louis community, 30 miles South of Shawnee.   He loved being at home and he loved having family and friends come to visit.  That was evident by the warm welcome he gave to all who entered his home and the sincere invitation to return again soon. Don Linton was a quiet man of faith and a member of the First Baptist Church of Saint Louis, OK, where he will long be remembered for his many hours of service, working behind the scenes to advance the work of his church and God’s Kingdom in this community. His greatest love was his family; his greatest legacy the faithful children and grandchildren who follow after him.   Don Linton was a man of integrity and Christian values and will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud, Oklahoma. The family request donations be made to the Loving Care Hospice in memory of Don Linton at 1940 N Harrison, Shawnee, OK. Services are under the direction of Knight-Swearingen Funeral Home in Maud, Oklahoma. Phone 405-374-2424. Funeral Information: January 13, 2011, 1:00 PM Saint Louis First Baptist Church located at Hwy. 59, Saint Louis, OK 74866