Don E. Giles' Obituary
Donald Eugene "Don" Giles, 67, of Miami, OK, received his heavenly reward early Monday morning, July 13, 2015 at his home, with his family at his side. Don was born May 5, 1948 in Miami, OK to John Giles and Joanna (Clark) Giles. He was a graduate of the Commerce High School Class of 1966. The year after graduating from high school, Don worked for the B.F. Goodrich Tire Co. He later worked for the Jim Thomas Funeral Home in Miami. In 1990, Don was elected Principle Chief of the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma. He served four terms, leaving office in 1998. Don then worked for the Inter-Tribal Council and later for the Peoria Tribe Housing Authority as Director of Housing. At the time of his passing, Don was working for the Ottawa Tribe as Project Manager, overseeing all building projects for the tribe. Don loved to stay busy, and it is evident in the fact that he also owned his own construction and remodeling business for many years. In his spare time, he loved to play golf with his special golfing buddies. Don also had a deep love for his Lord and Savior. He was a dedicated and faithful member of the Commerce Community Church. He ran the sound booth for a number of years and also served as a deacon for over 40 years. He loved the praise and worship each and every Sunday. He considered the entire congregation his family. He was a man of steadfast courage. This continued to be evident to his family and friends as he fought a courageous battle against a devastating disease. Don was preceded in death by his father and one great-grandson. He is survived by his mother, Joanna Giles of Miami, OK, two sons, Steven Giles and wife Stephany of Miami, and Terry Rogers also of Miami; three daughters, Misti Ramsey and husband Bob of Odessa, Mo, Jamie Chenoweth and husband Todd of Welch, OK, and Jaki Giles Blevins and fiancé Vance Stansill of Afton, OK; many grand and great-grandchildren who adored their "Poppy"; two sisters, Nancy Weeden and husband Dural of Miami, and Sharon Westphal and husband Jim, also of Miami; , two special uncles, Carol Ed Giles of Commerce, OK and Bill Burgess of Welch; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Services for Don will be held Thursday, July 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Commerce Community Church in Commerce, OK with Pastor Ronnie Rabel officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Peoria Indian Cemetery. Father Carl Kerkemeyer will officiate at the graveside. To continue Don's giving spirit, the family asks that, please, in lieu of flowers, make a donation in his memory to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program or to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be sent c/o the Thomas Funeral Home, P.O. Box 231, Welch, OK 74369. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Integris Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
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