DONALD HOWARD BRIGHT January 10, 1945 - August 27, 2025

Donald Howard Bright, age 80, of Oologah, Oklahoma, formerly of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on August 27, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born on January 10, 1945, on his family’s kitchen table in Bronaugh, Missouri.

On June 5, 1965, Don married the love of his life, Terry C. Yates, who survives him. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, and family.

Don is survived by their son, Rusty Bright, and his wife Michelle of Oologah, OK; three grandchildren, Madison White and her husband Ethan of Okmulgee, OK, Ashton Carter and her husband Lane of Talala, OK, and Wade Bright and his wife Madisyn of Claremore, OK; and two great-grandchildren, Baylor and Blakely White.  He is also survived by his brothers, Jack Bright and Steve Bright, both of Girard, KS; and his sisters, Daisy Dodson of Coffeyville, KS, Kathryn Johnston of Liberal, MO, Laverna Rice of Sheldon, MO, Lavina Clinton of Walker, MO, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Bright and Ruth (Wheeler) Bright, and his older brother, Arlen Bright.

Raised in the Bronaugh Christian Church by his mother and father, Don’s faith was a guiding force in his life. In his later years, he was a member of the Arcadia Christian Church, where he remained steadfast in his walk with the Lord.

Don graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1963, where he formed many lifelong friendships. As a young man, he worked on the family farm and enjoyed hunting and fishing along Drywood Creek. He also loved sports, especially basketball and baseball.

On December 7, 1966, Don was drafted into the United States Army, where he faithfully served his country. Following his service, Don began his career in construction, first working in residential building before moving into commercial construction. In 1969, he joined Snyder Bridge Company of Joplin, Missouri as a union carpenter.

Over the course of 42 years, his work ethic and leadership carried him through the ranks, and he retired in 2011 as the company’s General Superintendent.  Don also served the City of Arcadia, Kansas, for many years, both on the city council and as the town’s mayor, where he gave back to his community with dedication and pride. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and coaching baseball, activities that reflected his love for family, community, and the outdoors.

He was a proud 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, serving in all the seats over the years. He was also an active member of the Fort Scott Scottish Rite and the Mirza Shrine Three-Wheeler Club in Pittsburg, Kansas. His dedication to these organizations reflected his commitment to fellowship, service, and community.

Don will be remembered as a hardworking, faithful, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the many bridges he helped build — both in his career and in the lives of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bedene Funeral Home with Memphis Masonic Lodge #108-Garland, will have Masonic rites during the service.  Burial with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Scott National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.  Visitation will be held Monday, September 1, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Bedene Funeral Home in Arma, Kansas.

The Pallbearers will be Wade Bright, Mark Bohlken, Rodney Bohlken, Tommy Scotten, Brian Black, and Steve Jahay.  Honorary pallbearers are Steve Bright, Virgil Hurd, Neil Worsley, and Jim Krieger.

Don’s request was for Memorial donations to be given to The Shriners Children’s hospital. Donations can be made to the address below with the memo “In memory of Donald Bright”. Donations can also be made online and selecting the dedication box with same details.

Shriners Children’s St. Louis
Office of Philanthropy
4400 Clayton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110