Donald "Donnie" Gordon Claussen was born July 17, 1943, in Thomas to Marvin Lee and Loriene Maude (Tolman) Claussen and passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 22 days.

Donnie was raised and attended school in Thomas, graduating with the Class of 1961, where he was active in FFA and won the FFA State Farmer's Award.  He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Southwestern State College in 1966 and later completed his Master's Degree in Education.  On April 8, 1966, he married Glenda Mae Hamar in Okmulgee. Donnie started his teaching career in Cimarron, Harper, and Medicine Lodge, Kansas. While living in Medicine Lodge, he was baptized at the First Christian Church.   Donnie and his family settled in Thomas in 1980, where he continued to teach and work on the family farm.  Donnie taught in Thomas for over 30 years. One of his proudest accomplishments in his teaching career was winning "Teacher of the Year". After semi retiring in 2013, Donnie drove a bus for the Thomas school district until he finally fully retired in 2016.  He was a longtime member of the Bethany Brethren in Christ Church where he enjoyed teaching Sunday school. Donnie enjoyed spending his time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, and coon hunting. He loved to vacation in the mountains and spending time with family and friends.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Glenda Claussen of their home in Thomas; one daughter, LaDonna Taylor and husband, Cary of Thomas; three sons, Brad Claussen of Thomas, Shaun Claussen of Weatherford and Scott Claussen of Euless, Texas; and five grandchildren, Nathan Taylor and wife, Sarah, and Bailey, Lane, Bodie and Wyatt Claussen.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Loriene Claussen; his brother, Larry Claussen; and two granddaughters, McKinzie Claussen and Carissa Taylor.

Memorials may be made to the Bethany Brethren in Christ Church in Thomas.