Owen Donaldson

Owen Douglass Donaldson, died in Bella Vista, Arkansas June 18, 2015. He was born June 21, 1920 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Senith Leota (Owen) Donaldson and Fulda George Donaldson. He graduated from high school in Westerly, RI in 1938. He attended the University of Oklahoma, majoring in architecture. At OU he met his future wife Eileen Tittle, and they were married August 31, 1941. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2011. Owen's O.U. studies were put on hold due to his service in World War II. He served in Europe as a Lieutenant in the Army Engineers. His unit was engaged in building bridges for General Patton's Army group entering Germany. During the occupation he was assigned to rebuild air bases in southern Germany and Austria. He returned to OU in 1946, finished school and the couple stayed in Norman raising their four sons here, till retiring to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1977. Owen had a career as an Architecture Engineer which spanned 30 years. He was also in the US Army reserves where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He loved to draw, paint and sculpt and was an avid wood carver. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Retired Officers Association, and President of the Oklahoma Producers Council. When Owen retired, he and Eileen moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas. They both began pursuing their interests in anthropology and archeology through coursework at the University of Arkansas and Owen also designed private homes for area residents. Owen was preceded in death by his parents, Fulda George and Leota Donaldson, his wife, Eileen Tittle Donaldson, two sisters, Deanne Charest and Janet Jamar and a dear sister-in-law, Eloise Jacobsen. He is survived by his sons Doug, Dennis, Dana and David and wife Ellen, two grand children Burgundy Comeaux and Drew Donaldson and three great-grandchildren, August, Robbie and Athena. The family will hold a private memorial service in the near future. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Epting Funeral Home, Bentonville. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Arrangements: Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.