Norman, OK - Donald Herbert "Speedy" Masters, 87, moved to his eternal home with Jesus surrounded by his daughters singing some of his favorite hymns, on July 30, 2026, at 8:23 p.m. in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Born on October 31, 1938, in Norman, Oklahoma, Don was the son of Rev. Herbert Wilson Masters and Miriam Antoinette (Kennedy) Masters.

A lifelong Norman resident, Don called 1716 Cruce Street home for 64 years. He was known for his deep faith, unwavering love for his family, remarkable athletic accomplishments, and a life marked by service to his community.

Don grew up at Trinity Baptist Church in Norman, where he accepted Christ at the age of nine. Trinity remained his church home for many years, where he and his beloved wife, Janice, faithfully raised their three daughters. He especially enjoyed singing in church choirs, men's quartets, and treasured every opportunity to sing alongside his family. The last 35 years, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Norman, where he greatly valued the Higgins-Marks Sunday School class and the friendships he found there.

On September 19, 1959, Don married his high school sweetheart, Janice Rae Price, at Trinity Baptist Church in Norman. Janice was also the sister of Don's lifelong best friend, Denny Price. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage before Janice went to be with the Lord. Their greatest joy was raising three daughters who continue to serve Jesus through music ministry. Don was especially grateful that each of his grandchildren have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Don graduated from Norman High School in 1956 before attending Oklahoma Baptist University on basketball and baseball scholarships. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1960 and returned home to join the family business, Masters Mayflower, alongside his father, Herb, and brother, Gordon. As co-owner and chairman, Don helped lead the company until his retirement in 1999. Throughout his career, he was honored multiple times as Salesman of the Year by the Mayflower Association.

Athletics was one of Don's lifelong passions. At Norman High School, he earned the nickname "Speedy" while helping lead the Tigers to the 1955 State Basketball Championship. As a three-year letterman in basketball and baseball from 1954 to 1956, he was nominated for All-State honors in both sports during his junior and senior seasons. In recognition of his outstanding high school career, he was inducted into the Norman High School Sports Hall of Fame for basketball in 1988.

His success continued at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he earned eight varsity letters in basketball and baseball over four years. He helped lead the Bison basketball team to Sooner Conference Championships in 1958 and 1960, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City. Don was selected First Team All-Conference in 1959 and 1960 while leading the conference in assists. During his senior season, he averaged 16.6 points per game—though he was quick to remind his grandchildren that the three-point line did not exist then, or his average would have been much higher. Despite weighing just 129 pounds, he became known for his exceptional quickness, defensive intensity, and play-making ability. He was named the 1960 NAIA All-Tournament Most Valuable Player and First Team All-American while also earning All-Tournament honors at the William Jewell Tournament during the 1957-58 season. As the Bison shortstop for four years, he compiled a .311 career batting average. In 1983, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Baptist University Sports Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions to basketball and baseball.

Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, Don simply loved the game of golf. He spent countless hours on the courses at Westwood and Belmar, winning several Westwood Club Championships during the 1970s. From 2002 through 2024, he enjoyed serving as a marshal at both courses, where he formed many lasting friendships. He also enjoyed driving vehicles for local automobile dealerships during retirement.

Beyond his involvement in the local church, Don believed in giving back to his community. He was an active member of the Norman Kiwanis Club, the Norman Chamber of Commerce, the Associated Motor Carriers of Oklahoma, and the Mayflower Warehousemen's Association.

Above all else, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest legacy was the faith he shared with his family and the example of integrity, humility, and love he lived every day.

Don is survived by his three daughters: Donita Cooper (Guy) Ponca City, Oklahoma; Dayna Cooper (Ty) La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Denise Jones (Stu) Brentwood, Tennessee. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Melodie Cooper; Stephen Cooper (Andrea), and children, Joseph and Reagan; Christina Beck (Drew), who are expecting the arrival of their son, Jackson Blake; Spence Jones (Charlotte); and Price Jones. He is also survived by his younger brother, Larry Masters.

We rejoice that he has been reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Janice Rae Masters; his parents, Herb and Miriam Masters; his brother, Gordon; his nephews, Kelly and Blayne; sister-in-law, Barbara; and his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Denny Price.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Bison Athletic Association, OBU at https://obubison.com/sports/2018/4/11/baa-donations.aspx

OR

Hospice of North Central Oklahoma in Ponca City at HospiceofNorthCentralOklahoma.org.