It is with great sympathy and sadness that I must report the passing of Most Illustrious Companion and Sir Knight Donald H. Haralson. Most Illustrious Companion Haralson served the Grand York Rite as the Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Oklahoma in 1993-1994.

Obituary of Donald H. Haralson
Donald H. Haralson was born on January 26, 1926, and was returned to the Lord on October 27, 2021.  

Don was the first of two boys born to Reuben and Hazel Haralson in Allen, OK.  The family moved and Don grew up in Norman, OK.  Reuben and Hazel taught their boys service to others and demonstrated it throughout the depression and dust bowl years.  

Following graduation from Norman High School, Don enlisted in the US Army Air Forces for pilot training in WW2.  At the end of the war Don was separated and attended Oklahoma University where he was in the ROTC program.  Don met wis wife, Luella Cartwright from Grainola, OK, in Norman, where she had been working for the US Navy during the war effort.  He worked for the Oklahoma Highway Department designing bridges and highways and as a service manager for General Truck.  In 1951 he was recalled to active duty as an Air Force second lieutenant and served continuously, through the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam war, from 1949 to his retirement in 1978; including his WW2 time, over 32 years of active duty.  He served around the globe, living and serving in 30 separate nations with service in Italy, Germany, Vietnam, Japan and several locations in the US, to name a few.  He considered it his good fortune to serve at all levels of command in the US Air Force, Joint Services, Allied Nations (NATO) commands. His first squadron command earned a Presidential Unit Citation.  He also served as the US representative to the Japanese National Railway.  Don served as Congressional Liaison Officer at  HQ USAF, HQ Military Airlift Command, HQ Readiness Command, and served as the Special Assistant for Strategic Mobility on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Don continued to serve the people that served with him till his death.  He routinely provided assistance to other veterans.  Some of his awards he earned during military service include the Legion of Merit (twice), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (twice), Air Force Commendation Medal (twice), Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal for Korea and Vietnam, WW2 Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for Valor.

Donald was an active member of the Masonic Fraternity joining a local lodge while in Japan.  He held several leadership positions as a 33rd degree Mason in the Amori, Japan, Lexington and Norman Lodges, Scottish Rite York Rite, Royal Arch and Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar, Royal Order of Scotland, Sojourners, Knights Commandery, Order of the Red Cross, Order of Malta and Order of St. John.  He believed in dedication and service to others.

Don married Luella in 1947.  Don said the hardest battle he fought was being the primary caregiver for his wife of 72 years after she developed Alzheimer’s the last 5 years of her life.  Don and Luella moved to Kenai, Alaska, to be closer to their three grandsons.  It was a blessing for us to be close to them.  Don and Luella are survived by their son Douglas, daughter-in-law, Cindy, grandsons Logan, Connor and Ian, and several nieces and nephews besides those lifelong friends around the world.

Don and Luella will be interned together at Arlington National Cemetery on 24 March 2022.  Guests are welcome to attend. 

Please keep the Haralson family in your prayers.