Don R. "Jake" Germany

Don R. "Jake" Germany was born on June 28, 1935 in Coleman, Oklahoma where his parents, Charles "Chock" and Pauline Germany, raised him and his siblings--Jimmy, Charlene, Jackie, and Ronald. Don graduated from Coleman High School, and he went on to attend Murray State College in Tishomingo for one year. He then went on to begin his banking career in the check proofing department at First National Bank & Trust in Oklahoma City. He earned his way to a promotion as President of First Data Management. After moving to the city, he had his sons--Michael and Greg Germany. During his time at First National, he also met his wife Pamela Herd Germany. After three years of dating, they married on January 2, 1976 in Oklahoma City where they'd raise their two daughters Christy and DeeAnn. In 1977, he left First National to be Executive Vice President at Tinker Federal Credit Union where he'd later be promoted to President. While President of TFCU, he led the credit union to become the first in Oklahoma to top the $300 million mark in assets. He also served on the board of directors of the Oklahoma City Credit Bureau, the board of directors of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, and was appointed by Gov. Nigh to the State Credit Union Board. After 10 years as President of TFCU, he went on to work for dear friend Charles Montgomery as President for United Dental Care. He was an incredibly adored and respected coworker and boss.Don had many hobbies outside of his career such as square dancing, tennis, golf, and taking care of his beloved dogs. He was an avid fan of country music legends such as Willie, Waylon, and Merle. He was a committed member of his church homes where he served as a Sunday School Superintendent, a regular door greeter, and spent time making bags for children to use during worship. Many knew him as Jake, Donnie, Don, and Mr. Germany, but he took the most pride in being called "Dad" and "Grandad." He adored his 4 children and 8 grandchildren. He was the most loyal fan at their tennis matches, piano recitals, and soccer games. He was a kind opponent during basketball games, air hockey, go fish, and old maid. He was a patient teacher at the driving range or in the passenger seat of a go kart. He will be missed dearly, but the legacy of his humility, grace, devotion, and wit will live on through all that knew him.After 86 years of devoting his life to family, faith, and the service of others, Don passed from this life on the morning of July 13, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Germany; son, Greg Germany, and wife, Amy; daughter, DeeAnn Fox, and husband, Chris; grandchildren, Peyton James, Reed James, Olivia James, Tyler Fox, Sophia Fox, Justin Thompson, John Thompson, and Chris Tomlinson; brother Jackie Germany, and wife Marge, and their children; brother, Ronald Germany, and wife Karon; nephew, Brett, and wife Robin, and their sons, Rhett and Dane; son-in-law Blair Summers; and brothers-in-law Verl and Larry Herd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Pauline Germany; his children, Michael Don Germany and Christy Leigh Germany Summers; his siblings, Jimmy and Charlene Germany, and his niece, Dalene Germany.Visitation will be held at Smith and Kernke on North May Thursday July 22 from 5pm to 7pm. Services will be held at 11am Friday July 23 at the United Methodist Church of the Servant. Immediately after, there will be an entombment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens' mausoleum.