Don McCorkell

Don McCorkell, Former Oklahoma Legislator, Filmmaker, Photographer and Writer, Dies at 77

Don McCorkell, a longtime Oklahoma legislator, attorney, environmental advocate, and documentary filmmaker, passed away on March 25 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Don made Tulsa, Oklahoma, his home for most of his life before relocating to California in his later years. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa, laying the foundation for a life devoted to public service and civic engagement.

Don represented Tulsa’s 72nd district in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1979 to 1996. During his 17-year tenure, he became known for his commitment to economic development, public education, and bipartisan cooperation. He was widely respected for his pragmatic approach and willingness to reach across the aisle to serve the people of Tulsa.

In 1996, Don stepped down from the legislature to run for the U.S. Senate, and a decade later, ran for Mayor of Tulsa in 2006. His campaigns reflected his deep passion for civic responsibility and a lifelong dedication to improving his community.

After his political career, Don turned his focus to environmental documentary filmmaking while spending his later years in Santa Barbara. His 2009 film, A River of Waste: The Hazardous Truth About Factory Farms, offered a stark examination of industrial agriculture’s impact on ecosystems and public health. The film garnered critical attention and exemplified Don’s commitment to environmental justice and sustainable food systems.

A voracious reader and devoted writer, Don was passionate about literature and storytelling in all its forms. In his final work, the unpublished book Last Suppers, he wrote: “Look for justice and you won’t find it. Look for mercy, or love, or beauty—you can find all of those.” Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn McCorkell, who passed away two years earlier. He is survived by his two sons and five grandchildren, along with a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers who remember him for his intellect, integrity, and enduring drive to make a difference.

A private memorial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s honor to Doctors Without Borders.
“We all die, but not all of us truly live. I have lived, and I am grateful for that.” – Don McCorkell, *Last Suppers*