Donald E. Eller, 71, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Sunday, April 20, 2025 (Easter) while surrounded by his family.
A towering presence at 6'6", Don was a lifelong Tulsan recognized by many for cruising in his black Bronco or visiting local grocery stores in his signature blue jeans and Lucchese boots.

Known to most as Donnie, he was a true Renaissance man blessed with extraordinary intelligence who lived many lives: rock music critic, oil man, car dealer, four-time restaurateur, banker and turnaround consultant, just to name a few. A proud graduate of Edison High School and the University of Tulsa (BA, MBA), he also loved his naps, Cardinal baseball, fine wine, cooking with and for his family and friends, and never ever missed a Perry Mason or Gunsmoke rerun.

Like his mother, Donnie never met a stranger. He was truly interested in people and their stories. He was, in a way, a Tulsa historian — he knew where everything used to be and the names and stories of the local "who's who" of the last 50 years. Donnie's sense of humor and love for practical jokes was off the charts. He made people smile. His vast knowledge and reasoned opinions of classic rock music were renowned. Donnie was an intriguing combination of The Dude and Walter and like the Dude, he hated the Eagles (ok, mostly reasoned opinions).
Donnie loved Tulsa and honored his obligation to be an active participant in making it a better place to live. He was a director and ardent supporter of the Sooner Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis — he was awarded the Henry Zarrow Award in 1999. He was also a former director of the Tulsa Day Center, the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center and Vizavance (formerly Prevent Blindness Oklahoma). Through his guidance, his children founded The Lemon-Aid Project in 1994, embodying his belief that civic responsibility begins at home and that young people have the power to create significant change.

Don was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather (Papa/Poppy), and fiercely loyal friend. His captivating personality made him instantly lovable, though truly understanding him was a lifelong journey.

He is preceded in death by his parents William E. Eller Sr. and Katy Pearl Eller. He is survived by his long-time love Joan Robson and lifelong friend Bob Stewart, his brothers William E. Eller Jr. (Jill) and Philip J. Eller (Mece) and their families, his children Katie Eller Murray (Bryce), Anna Daniel Smith (Andrew), Madeleine Margaret Eller, Andrew "Ben" Eller, Savannah Skye Eller and Brock Everett Eller, and his grandchildren Chelsea Pearl Smith, Darcy Elizabeth Smith, Zoe Belle Murray, Adira Della Murray, Kai Thomas Murray and Everett James Smith.

After a private service for his family this past week, a public celebration of Don's life will be held on May 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM at The Cain's Ballroom. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the University of Tulsa, the Tulsa SPCA or The Lemon-Aid Project in his honor.

To give him the last comment: "I'll be seein' ya… Go Cards! Your pal, Don."