David A Tinkle

David Arthur Tinkle was born on May 15, 1950. He was a kind soul that liked to make people happy. He never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand or to talk and visit with family and friends. David led a simple life and was unfettered from the stresses that impact most of us. You could often find him enjoying the pleasures of dropping a fishing line in the water to see what was biting. As a matter of fact, his fishing license was a lifetime license. His interests varied over the years from riding his motorcycle to flying RC planes or racing RC cars. He even won a few competitions with his cars. In his spare time, he could be found in the workshop at home talking with friends while tinkering with small engines and lawn mowers. A talent that brought in extra cash and provided the income for his hobbies. Those that knew David well, knew that he was opinionated and had a stubborn streak that was a mile long. Never having children of his own, David never missed an opportunity to interact with his nieces and great-nieces and nephews. When they were younger, he would poke them in the side to make them laugh. As his nieces grew older, he found their first cars (often an old jalopy) and used his talents to keep them running. A simple demonstration of the caring nature that David had for his family. After his parents separated, he took care of his mother by purchasing her a house and helping to maintain it, everything from nickel and dime fixes to mowing the grass. He opened his heart and his home when his brother and father moved in with him. Eventually, he helped his brother find and buy a house of his own. David had a big heart and made sure those he loved were provided for to the best of his ability. After his mother's death, he found a locket in her belongings with a wedding picture of his parents. He took the time to clean and refurbish the locket to give to his sister, Janet as a memento of their parents. David found love and companionship when he met Donnell Lea. He opened his heart and his home to her and her family and found an opportunity for Donnell's son, James, to join their home. David enjoyed caring for people and it was truly his way to be of service to others. At the age of 18, David enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed on the USS Johnston DD-821 serving from 1968 – 1970. During that time, he traveled to Greece sending postcards home of the famous ruins that he visited. Written at the top was the caption, "I saw this." After leaving the military, David went to work for the City of Bethany, then served as a truck driver for OG&E retiring after 20 years of service. Following his career at OG&E, he worked for H and P Drilling and drove hot-shot for Tilly Trucking. Retirement allowed him more time to tinker in his garage, buying tools and equipment at flea markets to refurbish and resale. David is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Gloria Tinkle and brother Robert Tinkle. He is survived by Donnell Southerland Lea and Michael James Sticht of the home, sister Janet Ann Tinkle Newman and Doyle. David is also survived by 5 nieces: Tammy Kay Tinkle Kidd and Kenneth, Jennie Louise Newman Croslin and Rick, Traci Ann Newman Ledford and John, Kelly Christina Tinkle Day and Joe, and Toni Sue Newman. His great nephews and nieces are Brayden Alexander Croslin, Grahme Andrew Croslin, Chance Doyle Ledford, Kyle Shawn Kidd, Colten Shawn Kidd, Kaylee Marie Kidd, Addison Darland Day and Aiden Daniel Day.Visitation will be Wednesday, October 11 2017 from 3:00 pm to 8:00pm. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 12, 2017 in the Bill Merritt Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in the Bethany cemetery.