Donald Gene Chesser

Donald Gene Chesser, a member of the Norman High School class of 1966, passed away July 5, 2016, at his home in Oklahoma City. He was born Sept. 26, 1948, in Norman to Donald Ray Chesser and Aubre Jean Chesser.

After graduation from Norman High, he started working at the University of Oklahoma, and worked in the plumbing shop, HVAC shop, was head of the hazardous waste (asbestos) department. He was eventually promoted to physical plant superintendent. He also taught asbestos abatement at Moore-Norman Vo-Tech.

One of his claims to fame came in 1984 when the University of Oklahoma's scenic duck pond underwent renovations. Don offered up space at his home in the country, built a large compound and "babysat" all of the 84 ducks and geese for two years while construction took place at the pond. Along with the other members of the project, Don is listed on a commemorative plaque at the pond.

While Don traveled to various vacation destinations, his happy place was at home. He enjoyed fixing things and learning new things, especially the Internet and Facebook. After suffering from a hip injury, he spent a lot of time on his computers, talking to different people all over the world.

Survivors include his sister, Christie Lucas and her husband Gary of Norman; a daughter, Melissa Wilbanks and her husband James of Oklahoma City; his sons, Brian Chesser of Norman, and Donald (Traye) Chesser Jr. and his wife Darlene of Norman; granddaughters, grandsons, as well as great grandchildren, and many other relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Maude Chesser; and his parents, Donald Ray Chesser and Aubre Jean Chesser of Norman.

Graveside services were held in Norman, with burial in the Blackburn Cemetery in Norman.