David Thomas

It is with great sadness to announce that our dear David Nels Thomas, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 8, 2024, surrounded by his wife, several family members and his beloved dog, Beans.

David, the third of six children, was born on October 30, 1938 to Alvin Henry Thomas and Ketty Pauline Jorgensen Thomas in Oklahoma City. (He liked to remind people that he was born on the day of the infamous Orson Wells “War of the Worlds” broadcast.) He attended John Carroll Elementary School and Catholic High, now Bishop McGuinness, and some college at Oklahoma State before briefly serving in the Navy.

David and his first wife, Pat Berkley, had seven children - Ty, Victor, Dana, Nathan, Paige, Blake and Kirsten. He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and son Nathan. David is survived by his wife, Ann Rooney; his brother, Buster; six children; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

David was a multi-talented, bright, quick-witted, fun-loving, energetic, adventuresome, and active individual with many interests. Over the years, his work included lots of things, including upholstery, outdoor sales, owner of auto tune-up shops, land man, waste management, restaurant owner, and remodeling. In the 1980s, David pioneered the recycling program in Oklahoma and owned and operated one of the first recycling companies in the state.

David was very athletic and physically fit. He played basketball, softball, volleyball and golf. He also enjoyed bowling, sailing, swimming, skiing, riding motorcycles, kayaking, hiking, traveling, gardening, building and fixing things around the house, and watching classic movies, He was a loving and devoted father and husband and enjoyed socializing with his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 15th, at 11:00 a.m. at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, followed by a light lunch there before moving on to Cousin’s for a toast. Please donate to OETA in lieu of flowers.