Donald Ray Pherigo, 82, of Oklahoma City, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018. Born in Okmulgee, OK, on Nov. 28, 1935, Don was the youngest of S.G. and Ada Pherigos nine children. He grew up all over Pontotoc County and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Etta (Phillips), on July 2, 1955. Don worked as an oil pump mechanic before earning a teaching degree from East Central State College in 1966 and embarking on a three-decade career as a public school teacher. His first teaching post was in Hooker, Oklahoma, and he later spent 24 years in Oklahoma Citys Putnam City School District, where he taught elementary school science and physical education. He continued his own education with a masters degree in school counseling from Central State University. Don loved music and was a devoted Christian, leading music at several churches throughout Oklahoma. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and vegetable gardening, and he loved travelling with Mary to trade antiques and collectibles at shows across Oklahoma and surrounding states. Don was proud of his Choctaw Heritage, and he dearly loved his family. He looked forward every Christmas to perfecting his barbeque pork ribs and then playing a competitive domino game of Moon. He was preceded in death by parents Samuel Gaither and Ada Pherigo; brothers: Shannon, Gene, Kenneth, Harold, Paul and George; sisters: Doris Harriman and Idell Henderson; infant daughter: Janice Ray. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, William and wife Beverly of North Richland Hills, TX; daughter, Sharla and husband Marcos Rivera of Lawton, OK; grandchildren Andrew Long, Portland, OR; Josh Pherigo and wife Shaina and great-granddaughter, Bailey, Houston; Kylie Pherigo, Dallas; Trace Long, Moore; Reagan and husband Monty Strickland & great-grandchildren Cole and Presley, Washington, OK; Kayla and Rusty Cook, Oklahoma City; and Marc Rivera, Tampa, FL; and many nieces and nephews scattered across the U.S. A celebration of life will be held at Mercer-Adams in Bethany at 10 a.m., Monday, April 23. Interment to follow at 3 p.m. at Francis-Cedar Grove Cemetery near Ada. The service will be officiated by Dr. Charles Wade of Arlington, TX, former pastor and longtime friend. A public viewing will be held 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at Mercer-Adams. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Westaid.org. Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Monday, April 23, 2018 10:00 AM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008