About Don
Don was born September 11, 1934, in Tulsa to Phillip and Elizabeth Eng. In 1929, Don’s family moved to Tulsa to open the “Mandarin Cafe,” Tulsa’s first Chinese restaurant. They also established themselves as the first Chinese family in Tulsa and Don was the first Chinese baby born in Tulsa. After graduating from Central High School in 1952, he met his loving wife of 51 years, Jean Capehart Eng. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science, Management/Marketing. His first job after college was with Sun Oil Company. In January 1957, Don began active duty in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1964. Completing his military service, he returned to Sunray DX Oil Company as a Manager and Financial Analyst. Don worked as a realtor and broker, at Sunshine Properties, until he ventured into the homebuilding business in 1981. Defying advice and driven by determination, he established himself as Tulsa’s premiere homebuilder during the early 1980s, when the housing market was at an all time low. Don’s attention to detail, forward thinking creativity, unique designs and quality of work raised the bar in homebuilding and his influence in the marketplace is still evident in Tulsa homebuilding today. Following his motto, Mansions for the Father’s Children, each house that was built by Don Eng Homes was a work of art, even down to each having a personalized, Biblical name. Don was known for being the type of builder that would buy his contractors lunch and work side by side with them on any job that needed to be done. Don Eng Homes received numerous awards and recognition and his name is still highly regarded in the Tulsa community. His professional careers also included stints as a ballroom dance instructor and professional photographer.
Comment by John Wyrrick
To all of Don’s family,
Please accept my condolences and know that Don was a very special man to me. A friend and mentor that this world will miss but be much better for having him here. Don was a man that made an impact on those with whom he was around and touched their lives and therefore his legacy lives on. He was a successful man due to his continual giving nature. I thank God for his child, Don Eng.
Sincerely, John
Posted on October 25, 2007 at 5:52 pm