Donald Frank Shunk

Donald “Don” Frank Shunk, Sr., of Choctaw, Oklahoma, passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on September 26, 1939, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Frank Shunk Jr. and Christine Eugenia (Shelton) Shunk.

Don grew up in the Shawnee/Bethel area and attended Bethel High School. After high school, he proudly joined the United States Navy in 1956, where he served for six years. Following his military service, Don returned home and on June 8, 1962, he married the love of his life, Myrtle Marie Melott, in Shawnee. The couple soon settled in Choctaw, where they would make their home for the remainder of his life and raise their two sons, Don Jr. and David.

Both of Don’s sons carried on his deep sense of duty and service by joining the United States Marine Corps, a testament to the example he set as a husband, father, and veteran.

After his time in the Navy, Don pursued further education at Okmulgee Tech, where he became a certified HVAC technician. He went on to establish Don Shunk Service Company, specializing in commercial and residential HVAC and refrigeration systems. For more than 50 years, he faithfully served eastern Oklahoma County with integrity, hard work, and dedication to his craft.

Beyond his professional life, Don was a man of many talents and interests. He had a love for working on antique cars and was a skilled blacksmith, creating beautiful metalwork as a member of the Saltfork Craftsmen Blacksmith Association. Known for his resourcefulness, there was little he couldn’t make or repair. His hands and heart worked together to bring both usefulness and beauty into the world around him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Billie Shunk. He is survived by his loving wife, Myrtle Marie Shunk; two sons, Donald “Don” Frank Shunk Jr. of Maryland, and David Frank Shunk and his wife, Jaime, of Barnsdall; three grandchildren, Blaise Shunk, Michaela Shunk, and Kylie Shunk; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Kaye Stillwell and Barbara Ollis and her husband, Denny, all of Shawnee; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Don will be remembered for his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, his service to his country, and his gift of craftsmanship. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him.