Donald Wayne Oakley

Celebration of Life for Donald Oakley will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at The Campbell County Senior Center.

Donald W. Oakley, age 81, of Gillette,Wyoming, passed away on February 7, 2026, at Wyoming Medical Center (Casper, Wyoming). Don was born on January 1, 1945, in Mitchell, South Dakota and was the middle of 3 boys to Melvin and LeeOna Oakley. He was educated at Mt Vernon public school and South Dakota State University. He obtained Professional Land Surveying licenses in South Dakota and Wyoming (SD 4081 and WY LS 4769).

Don excelled in mathematics and sports throughout school. He dearly loved his horse Koko and his Oldsmobile 442. He spent his free time hunting, fishing, and dragging his sports cars. Don also loved music and performing, his band Dee and the Sabers toured the small towns in the area. This is where he found the extraordinary love of Carol Jean Nelsen, they were married on June 3, 1968. They welcomed their first child Michael, and shortly after Patrick and Timothy.

Don and Carol loved the outdoors and music, many of their summers were spent at the lake or up in the mountains. They operated Wind Alley Kennels (sport dogs) and Oakley Construction and Concrete. In 1980 Don and Carol pulled up stakes and moved to Gillette, Wyoming to make a name in the booming construction scene. Their last son, Steven, was born there completing their little family. Don grew one engineering firm to a national top 500 ranking and later another to the premier firm in the region. Don was instrumental to the development and growth of Gillette throughout the 80s and 90s.

In 2007 Carol unexpectedly passed away and shattered their dreams of retiring together. Don turned to writing and his family to light the darkness. On May 9, 2008, Don was blessed to find love and companionship again with his marriage to Reatha Thomas. Don and Reatha shared a passion for writing and travel which they took advantage of during their winters in Florida. After 8 years of snow birding, they moved back to Gillette and enjoyed watching his children’s families grow. Don continued to write, won awards, and was published several times.

Don's impact on this world is hard to define but easily seen in the faces and hearts of all those whom he crossed paths with. As an anchor in a fast-moving world, he assisted many in navigating the rough waters. Dons’ life was a gift, his legacy will be a guiding light for those of us left behind.

Don Oakley is survived by wife, Reatha Thomas; his children Mike (Julie), Pat (Stephanie), Tim (Rachel), Steve (Jamie); his stepchildren Ken (Tracy), Matt Thorpe; his 13 grandchildren; and his 3 great-grandchildren.

Don Oakley is preceded in death by his wife Carol; parents Melvin and LeeOna; and brother Freddie Oakley.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Don Oakleys’ Benefit account at Security State Bank. All funds will be distributed to his favorite groups and charities.