In Loving Memory of Our Father, Donald V. Powell

9/18/2025 - On Monday, September 15, 2025, our beloved father, Donald V. Powell, passed away peacefully at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK.

From the very beginning, when we first shared about Dad’s illness, so many of you reached out—sending letters, videos, prayers, and even visiting him in the hospital. We cannot express how much that meant, not only to Dad, but also to us as a family. Your love and support carried us through some of the hardest days.

Today, we find ourselves facing a new challenge. Despite all the paperwork and records we’ve gone through, it appears our father did not have a life insurance policy or an active will naming an executor. Our intention is to hold Dad’s service next Thursday, though the location and details are still being finalized. There are many moving parts, and we are doing our very best to navigate this hardship together.

So, where are we today? Dad has been transported to Dyer Memorial, and Tyfani and Jessica have lovingly picked out a suit for him. They will also be meeting with the Cherokee Nation in Catoosa, OK to explore the Nation’s burial assistance program, which we believe Dad may be eligible for—pending required documents and approvals, but will not cover the full costs.

In the meantime, we humbly ask: if you feel led and are able, please consider supporting us in laying our father, your brother, your friend, to rest. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you for continuing to surround us with your love, prayers, and compassion during this difficult time.

9/22/2025 – As of Monday, September 22, 2025, we were finally able to locate Dad’s life insurance policy. Unfortunately, the benefit amount is not enough to fully cover his service and burial. After speaking with the insurance company, we were informed that the payout will not occur for 30–60 days, and only once all of the required documents have been submitted and approved.

In addition, we are continuing to engage with the Cherokee Nation regarding burial assistance. Similar to the insurance company, they require a set of documents that must be provided before any aid can be granted. We are diligently working to gather and submit everything, though we continue to encounter delays and roadblocks.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already given, as well as to those who had the desire to give but were unable to.

9/23/2025 - We wanted to share an important update after reviewing Dad’s life insurance policy and speaking with the agent.

We learned that Dad purchased the policy in December 2024. Unfortunately, the policy contains a stipulation that any non-accidental death claim made during the first two years is paid at a reduced rate. After providing all required paperwork and the death certificate, we were told the policy will pay out $650.

This is far less than we had hoped, and it means we are in worse shape financially than we expected. We are continuing to explore other options and resources to cover the funeral and final arrangements.

As mentioned yesterday, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated, shared the GoFundMe, or offered support. Your generosity is making a greater impact on our family than you will ever know — thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

— DaMarco, Tyfani and Jessica