Donald Alvin ‘Don’ Chesser passed away at his home in Holdenville, Oklahoma on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the age of 78 years.

Don is the son of Alvin Winford ‘Jack’ Chesser & Reba Ersella (Downs) Chesser, born along with a twin brother on November 12, 1947, in Prague, Oklahoma. He was brought up and attended schools in Webb City and Shidler. He graduated Shidler High School with the Class of 1966. He attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa in 1966 until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a combat medic. Following military service he returned to Oklahoma and attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, earning his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Trades and master’s degree in Counseling. He accepted a position with Prestolite Electric and worked there until the plant closed, then later took a teaching position in Missouri. He worked several years for the federal government, teaching in the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado, ending his career there as Assistant Superintendent. He drove a semi truck for Moran Trucking of Seminole until he was injured, and then worked for the State Department of Career Tech as counselor and regional director for state prisons, and director of civilian training at Tinker Air Force Base. He left Tinker to become Director of Programs at Wes Watkins Technology Center in Wetumka. He retired in 2009 and was elected as a school board member. He proudly served for fourteen years, serving multiple terms as President. WWTC honored Don for his years of dedicated service, stating that "Mr. Chesser's leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve have made a lasting impact on Wes Watkins Technology Center and the students whose lives have been changed through career and technology education." Don was always encouraging people to continue education and better themselves, and helped them to do so in any way he could.

Outside of work and duty, Don was a man of varied interests. He completed OSU’s Master Cattlemen Program and he raised Black Angus cattle. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson and was a member of the Oklahoma City Hog Chapter. Among numerous trips, he particularly enjoyed riding with his son, Donny, to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. He was a member of Tulsa's Model A Club and Thunderbird Club, and enjoyed driving his classic cars to various events. Some of his favorite things were traveling the country with friends, playing golf, and fly fishing. He enjoyed attending church with friends at the East Main Church of Christ in Holdenville, where he was a longtime member.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Reba Chesser.

He is survived by his wife of thirty years, June Chesser, of the home; his two children, daughter Donnell Curtis (James) of Wewoka, and son Donny Chesser (April) of Choctaw; two stepsons, Eric Sutliff of Blanchard, and Aaron Sutliff (Christy) of Pawnee; eight grandchildren: Brandy, Robbie, Kelli, Preston, Rhealyn, Aurora, Mason, and Landree; five great-grandchildren: Tevon, Jarron, Kamron, Hudson, and Lorelai; four siblings: brothers Keith Chesser of Shidler, Jim Chesser of Choteau, twin brother Tom Chesser of Holdenville, and sister Carol Lichti of Huntsville AR; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

In Don’s honor, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, 2:00pm at the Wes Watkins Technological Center Seminar Center.

Honorary Pallbearers are Shelley Carter, James Berry II, Brandon Burnett, and Scott Hart.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make donations to Wes Watkins Technology Center Foundation, the Holdenville Fire Department, or a charity of your choosing.