Dr. Don Jay Dunn

Dr. Don Jay Dunn, 90, of Oklahoma City, passed away on June 14, 2025 after a long and joy-filled life defined by passion, curiosity, and Cowboy spirit. A beloved educator, world traveler, OSU super-fan, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Don lived a life filled with purpose, laughter, and legacy.

Born on July 30, 1934, in Coweta, Oklahoma, Don marched in the Coweta High School band on trumpet, starred on the basketball court, and even suited up for Coweta’s inaugural football team before heading to Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) in 1953. There he played basketball under legendary coach Henry Iba and, that same freshman year, bought his first set of Cowboy football season tickets for his parents unknowingly launching a 68-season streak that became OSU lore. Rain, snow, or sweltering heat, Don never missed a home game, and his devotion to the Pokes became a defining feature of his life.

Don earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology and biology in 1958 as part of OSU’s first graduating class under its new name, then completed a master’s in zoology and biochemistry. While teaching at Phillips University, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Oklahoma in 1966. His sharp intellect, dry wit, and generosity of spirit shaped generations of students at OU Health Sciences Center, Phillips University, Oklahoma Christian University, and the University of Oklahoma Medical School in Tulsa.

He was the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the prestigious Aesculapian Award for Teaching Excellence from OUHSC, and was widely admired for his ability to make complex science understandable and inspiring. Throughout his career, Don authored numerous scientific publications and was a trusted collaborator in research on immunology and microbiology. His contributions to medical science and education were as far-reaching as his travels.

Don’s sense of adventure reached far beyond the lecture hall. He traveled to more than 180 countries while working with the World Health Organization and the National Science Foundation, collecting stories that ranged from elephant rides in Singapore to safaris in Africa yet he always made it back to Stillwater in time for kickoff.

In 1988, after being widowed, Don met Linda Mills, who would become his cherished partner for the remainder of his life. Their bond was deep, marked by shared values and a love for adventure. And best part, Linda had gone to OSU! After witnessing how hard Don took a Bedlam loss, complete with spirited language, Linda knew she never wanted to go through that again. So when they were planning their wedding the following year, she gently “informed” him that the only available weekend to get married just happened to be Bedlam weekend. Don agreed, and they were married that weekend, beginning 36 wonderful years together filled with love, laughter, travel, tailgates, and a shared commitment to living life well.

A man of tradition, Don kept a world map covered in pins for every country he visited but only one place truly had his heart: Oklahoma State. Even after Boone Pickens Stadium added indoor seating, he insisted on the open air. “I like it outside so I can holler,” he said, and holler he did, loud enough for Linda to hear all the way inside, especially “when we got a crappy call.”

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Marion Irvin Dunn and Ruby Hampton Dunn; his daughter, Cheri Watson; and his first wife, Phyllis Dunn. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda Dunn; his son Doug Dunn and wife Kristi of Plano, Texas; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives were brightened by his kindness, loyalty, storytelling, and unshakable Cowboy pride.

A celebration of Don’s remarkable life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (222 NW 15th St, Oklahoma City). Friends and family are invited to gather and share stories, laughter, and love just the way Don would have wanted.

BOOMER! Just kidding—GO POKES, Dr. Dunn. We will miss you!

Memorial donations in Don's honor may be made to the OCU Scholarship Fund. Please click the link to donate. There you will find a box that says "dedicate my donation". https://give.oc.edu/campaign/c672423

To view service: https://stlukesokc.online.church/