Donald Eugene Drumb

Donald "Don" Eugene Drumb, 87, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Don lived a life marked by creativity, dedication, and deep love for his family.

Born on November 26, 1938, in McAlester, Oklahoma, Don was the youngest of three children born to Bill and Thelma Drumb. He grew up in McAlester's North Town, where he helped in his father’s garage and his mother’s beauty shop. These early experiences sparked his lifelong passion for hairstyling and tinkering. As a teenager, Don assisted by shampooing clients and driving his mother’s customers to and from appointments—an early sign of the career that would define much of his life.

Before completing high school, he pursued his calling by attending San Jacinto School of Hairdressing in Amarillo, Texas, graduating in 1957. He then graduated from McAlester High School in 1958. During his school years, Don was active in many extracurricular activities: he played football for McAlester High School, ran track, sang in the choir and Glee Club, and was a proud member of the Letterman’s Club.

In 1960, Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He married the love of his life, Sunnie Gail Bates, on September 17, 1960, in McAlester. In 1966. They established their home in Norman, Oklahoma.

Throughout his decades-long career, Don worked across Oklahoma. He began in McAlester during the 1960s before moving to Norman, where he became a well-known figure. He owned Drumb's Coiffures on Campus Corner for many years before moving to Midtown Plaza through the late 1990s. His talent earned him numerous awards at hairstyling competitions across Oklahoma and Texas. Sunnie, his wife and top model, accompanied him to these events.

Don was an active member of several professional organizations, including the Thunderbirds—a state hair-fashion committee—as well as the Oklahoma Cosmetology Association and the National Cosmetology Association. His commitment to his craft extended beyond the salon; he regularly visited nursing homes in the metro area to provide haircuts and styling for residents.

Later in life in a brief second marriage, Don moved to Sulphur, Oklahoma, where he continued working as a barber until retiring after 60 years behind the chair in 2017. His clients often became lifelong friends who cherished not only his skill but also his warm personality and easygoing nature. He shared close bonds with many coworkers throughout his career.

After returning to Norman, Don reunited with Sunnie; they remarried in 2021 and remained side by side until his passing.

A true foodie at heart, Don loved cooking elaborate meals for his family—grilling meats to perfection or baking desserts, many of which were his mother’s recipes. He dreamed of one day owning a food truck to sell tamales. When not in the kitchen or salon chair, Don could be found tinkering around the house or expressing himself through painting and drawing—though he rarely admitted how talented he truly was.

Don’s love for family was at the heart of everything he did. Family vacations to the Florida Panhandle were a cherished tradition spanning more than six decades—times filled with laughter and togetherness that will live on in memory.

Don cheered enthusiastically for OU football as well as OU and OKC Thunder basketball. But nothing brought him more joy than supporting his grandchildren. Whether it was a dance recital, golf tournament, or football game, he was always there on the sidelines with pride and encouragement. He loved shopping for bargains with his daughters or relaxing in the hot tub with a cold beverage on a Sunday afternoon.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sunnie Gail Drumb; daughters Tammy Marshall and Heather Christian (husband Mike); grandchildren Shane Marshall (wife Michelle), Summer Milligan (husband Nathan), Mackenzie Hornsby (husband Grahm), and Addyson Christian; great- granddaughter Meadow Milligan; brother-in-law John A. Robinson; sister-in-law Shirley Drumb;nephews Mark Drumb and Cole Drumb; nieces Kay Robinson Little (husband Harvey) and Donna Robinson Wagner (husband Michael); as well as many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Thelma Drumb; sister Alice Robinson; and brother Doug Drumb.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Sommerset Assisted Living facility in Oklahoma City and Traditions Hospice for the wonderful care Don received. Don leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support for those he cherished. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him; he will be missed dearly.