David Pankratz

David Alonzo Pankratz entered God's holy kingdom on 03/14/11; praise God for his brief but glorious time on earth. David was born on 03/19/43 in Cordell, OK to Ferd and Opal Pankratz. He married Geraldine Bourquin in 1964 and they celebrated the birth of Rebecca Elaine in 1968. He married Daneta Combs in 1995, and lovingly welcomed Dan Bibb as his own son. He attended Southwestern State University, where he earned his Master's in Education. Following a teaching career, he worked for the State of Oklahoma until retiring in 1996. Through his positions at Children's Hospital, Integris, and Mercy Health Center, he helped many people during the often stressful time of being admitted to a hospital. The wonder of nature's beauty inspired him during family trips and was showcased by his incredible photography. He also enjoyed gardening and his love of model trains and planes. He also enjoyed the company of his closest friends Jon & LeeAnn Baugh, Elaine Lewis, Bob & Carol Taylor, and Wayland Martin. David was a strong Christian, and an active church member. Truly a `gentle giant', he demonstrated humor, courage and love to all that he came in contact with. David was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Norma Opal. He is survived by wife Daneta Combs of the home; daughter Rebecca Gammill and grandsons Elijah David and Caleb James of Yukon; son Dan Bibb and girlfriend Brianne Toledo of the Village; sister Barbara Fry of Fremont, Ohio; brother Charles Pankratz and wife Sylvia of Trophy Club, Texas; and brother Wallace Pankratz of Clinton. The family wishes to thank Drs. James Hampton and John Grizzle, RNs Judy Rogers and Jennifer Dixon, and Deaconness Hospital for his outstanding medical care, as well as the members of Putnam City Baptist Church for their unwavering love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Putnam City Baptist Church Building Fund in David's memory. Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 18, at Putnam City Baptist Church. Interment will be at Chapel Hill immediately following the service. A visitation will be held 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 17, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home.