Willis David Cantrell

With a spark of adventure and a wit that lit up every room, Willis David Cantrell was born on May 24, 1944, in Oklahoma to Florene and Jesse Cantrell. From his earliest days, David's curiosity and humor set him apart - traits that would carry him around the world and make him unforgettable to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
David's love for the little joys in life was legendary. He never met a hamburger he didn't like, and his lifelong obsession with bubblegum and soda pop remained intact to the very end - one of his final earthly pleasures. These simple delights were hallmarks of a life well lived and fully enjoyed.
A true aficionado of Western films, David not only watched them with encyclopedic knowledge but also appeared in several, including America and Cowboys and Angels. Watching a movie with him was an event in itself - he was a walking archive of actor trivia, colorful commentary, and fond nostalgia. When fall came around, Westerns took a backseat only to OU football. David, ever the crimson-and-cream-blooded Oklahoman, cheered his Sooners from his favorite chair with unshakeable loyalty and infectious enthusiasm.
Food and family often went hand in hand in David's life. A quick trip to Sonic or a gathering at Ted's was never just about the meal-it was a chance to connect, laugh, share stories, and deliver his signature dad jokes and puns, which brought both groans and giggles. His gift with words was well-known among those who knew him. Beyond his love for clever wordplay, David was a lifelong poet at heart. His passion for language and film even inspired him to write two screenplays.
David's family was always central to his heart. He and his first wife, Jolynn, shared joy-filled years raising three children and building treasured memories. In 1994, he met the love of his life, Janie, and with her, embarked on new adventures that spanned the globe. From the beaches of Australia to the green hills of Ireland and Scotland, David's zest for life, humor, and curiosity found a home wherever the road - especially the left side of it - could take him.
David leaves behind a large, loving family who will miss his humor, stories, and spirit immensely: his beloved wife, Janie Cantrell; his sister, Mary of Mustang, Oklahoma; daughter Renae and husband Mark Pool,sons Kyle and wife Merri Jo Cantrell and Matthew and wife Michelle Cantrell; Bonus daughter Stephanie and husband Scott Chrisco; and his bonus son Jeffrey Thompson, whose presence in the family was a special gift especially towards the end of Daivd's life. Additionally, a bonus – Son in Law – Paul Zilinskas. David's life His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Ryan Pool and wife Mia, Christopher, Summer and her fiancé, Coty Brock, Jaclyn and Blake Zilinskas, Hayden, Grant, and Kendall Chrisco; and great-grandchildren Holden Cantrell and Braiden Davis, the friends and brothers he met as a 32nd degree Mason while attending the Blue Lodge in Yukon, Oklahoma, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored him.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Florene and Jesse Cantrell, and his sister, Yvonne.
Though he has left this life, David's laughter, stories, and adventurous spirit will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. Whether raising a soda in his honor or watching a classic Western, we remember a man who lived joyfully, loved deeply, and always found the fun in every corner of the world.
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