There are voices in radio that go beyond playlists and formats — voices that become part of a town’s daily life. In Chickasha, Oklahoma, one of those voices has now gone silent.
Don Collett, a longtime presence on KWCO-FM, has died at the age of 59, according to obituary information released Wednesday. Collett passed away April 29 in Oklahoma City after a life spent doing exactly what he loved — radio.
For more than four decades, Collett lived out a childhood dream behind the microphone. Known across Chickasha as both a radio personality and a community fixture, he built a reputation that extended far beyond the studio. Whether on-air, hosting events, or contributing to local arts and entertainment, his presence was woven into the fabric of the community.
Those who knew him say Collett’s passion for music and performance never faded. He was known for his ability to connect — not just as a broadcaster, but as a neighbor, a friend and a steady voice in a small-town setting where radio still matters deeply.
His passing has resonated across the market, where local radio remains intensely personal and tightly connected to the people it serves.
On The Dial Senior Editor Kevin Fodor reflected on Collett’s impact, saying he was “a true radio lifer who cared about the craft and his community,” noting that his influence reached beyond the airwaves through both mentorship and innovation.
Collett is survived by his children and extended family. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 1 in Chickasha.
In markets like Chickasha, personalities don’t just come and go — they become part of the town’s identity. And for many listeners, Don Collett was exactly that.
The staff at On The Dial sends its heartfelt condolences to Don Collett’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.
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