Donnie Bevenue blessed the world with his presence on September 26, 1946, the younger brother to his twin Ronnie – always being emphatic on the point of being younger sometimes a claim of being the prettiest of the two. He answered to the name Donnie, but to family and friends he was Tiny.
So many words have come to mind about him and messages describing who he was to people he knew, just a few that were said often, strong, encourager, loving, big hearted, gave the best hugs, always giving so much help and determined. Something said about him that was from the heart of a niece, “Uncle Tiny had a huge laugh and larger than life spirit. There was was nothing “tiny” about him or the life he led.” He was kind, generous and supportive. Always looking out for those he loved and when he knew of a need it was taken care of. He gave the best of himself to others, holding nothing back.
A graduate from Sequoyah High School Class of 1964, he was always one to be at the alumni reunions. In 2016 he was honored with a Sequoyah Alumni Association Hall of Fame Award, recipients of this award are those that have an outstanding, commendable record of service to native people. Those who make an impact in native peoples lives by their service to community, education, religion, outstanding military service, just a few mentioned that Tiny excelled in.
He was also awarded honors in 2017 and again in 2019 by the state and local Johnson O’Malley Programs for his outstanding service and commitment to the J.O.M. in Sapulpa, both in elementary service and higher education.
Having served in the U.S. Army he was a proud Vietnam Veteran and wore his vest that was presented to him by the Muscogee Nation for his service and sacrifice to this country with pride. His military service is something that was not taken lightly, and it was an honor for him to have served.
Tiny was a never give up, keep on going, positive outlook in spite of the circumstances, kind of man. Every health issue he handled with dignity and did not complain. His attitude of face it and do what needs doing is a lesson for all of us. His plans were to begin driving again when the wound on his hand healed, without doubt, he would have done just that, his independent, brave spirit did not allow limits to what he planned to do to help himself.
So much more could be said about him but trying to condense the life of our Tiny to a small section of paper is not possible. One has to think of the impact he had on your life, there will never be another Tiny Bevenue, he was one of a kind.
In past years he served as deacon, ministry supporter, helper, servant at Tri Point Baptist Church in Tulsa. The example of faith and trust in the Lord was shown by his life example and evident in how he lived.
November 28, just a bit after 5 in the evening with family gathered beside him, a song was played and he took his last breathes, slipped out of his broken, tired, sick, worn body and stepped into Heaven healed, whole, happy with loved ones waiting there, his baby Sharon Ann in his arms, now her daddy is Home.
We will miss him every day until the Lord calls us home too, until then he will be watching and waiting for us. Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend, we will not ever forget you.
Tiny is survived by his wife of 54 years Carol Sue; daughter Melinda; son Will and wife Becky; granddaughter Kayla Dawn McGriff and husband Keeyon, Brianna Michelle, Mercedes Ann, Chelbi Bevenue; grandsons Lane Bevenue and Jimmy Bevenue; great-granddaughters Taydam McClain and Kamberlee McClain; brothers Ronnie Bevenue and wife Linda, Paul Bevenue and Raymond Bevenue; sister Virginia Rangel and husband Joe and many loved and cherished nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by daughter Sharon Ann; granddaughter Tabitha Trail; parents Leonard Litliff and Mary Bevenue; sisters Lon Bevenue and Jean Pahsetopah; brother Leonard Lewis and wife Chubbie.
2 Timothy 4:6 – For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.
(7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
(8) Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all those that love his appearing.
Tiny has run his race, we are and will miss him for the rest of our lives. Until we are there in Heaven with you, please keep an eye out for us too. We’ll be happy to hear you laugh and say I love you. Rest well sweet brother, you have earned our crown.
Our Muscogee language has no word for goodbye, but saying to you Ecenokes, I love you, Cencvpohyvkes, I will miss you, Hvtrm-Cehecares, I will see you again.
Wake services will be 7:00pm, Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Bevenue Family Home, 110 Babie Crow Lane, Sapulpa. Services will be 2:00pm, Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville.
