Mr. David J. Oxley

David James Oxley, 81, died June 21st, 2011 at his home in Barstow, California with his family by his side. David was born March 6th, 1930 in Butte, Montana to parents Thomas Oxley and Margret Robertson. While working in the copper mines of Butte, he met and married his loving wife, Regina. David was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and served in the Signal Corps. In 1957 he joined the California Highway Patrol and served with distinction in Bridgeport, Sacramento, and Barstow. He taught police science at Barstow College and retired after 25 years of faithful service, attaining the rank of Sergeant. In 1975, he and his wife purchased their first of several gift shops in the heart of Calico Ghost Town. David went on to serve as a member and key coordinator of the Calico Ghost Town Hall of Fame. David had a deep passion for motorcycle riding and enjoyed taking long trips with his wife. He was an accomplished silversmith who enjoyed fishing, gardening, and feeding his adopted roadrunner, B.B. He was best known for his witty sense of humor and his fierce determination in everything he did. His example of a husband and father served as inspiration for his entire family. David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Regina; children and their spouses, Tom and Denise Oxley, and Catherine and John Major; grandchildren Brian Oxley and his wife Jennifer, Erika DeSilva, Patrick Robinson, Jason and Amy Walters; great-grandchildren Claire and Emma Oxley; Sister-in-law and her husband, Jackie and Roger Oren; niece and nephews Beth, Jeff, and Gregg Oren; great-niece and great-nephew, Amanda and Zach Pickle; and his loyal German shepherd, Dulcie. He is predeceased by his mother and father, sisters Jean and Isabel, and by his beloved son, David James Oxley Jr. David’s memorial service will be held on June 27th at 2pm at Mead Mortuary in Barstow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the David Oxley Jr. Memorial Golf tournament: Roseville Golf Club, P.O. Box 248, Roseville, CA 95678.