David Vincent Eakin Sr.

1939 - 2024

Eakin Sr., David Vincent

June 29, 1939 - May 8, 2024

David was born at Saint John Hospital to Elizabeth Ann and Robert A. Eakin on June 29th, 1939. A National Merit Scholarship runner-up, he attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington Virginia and University of Oklahoma School of Medicine in Oklahoma City. After two years of service in the United States Air Force as a physician, he returned to the University of Oklahoma and completed a four year residency in diagnostic radiology subspecializing in special procedures. He joined the radiology group at Saint John and Saint Francis hospitals in 1972 with the majority of his practice in subsequent years at Saint Francis. In 1990 an opportunity to become Director of Radiology at Grove Integris Hospital became available and during the next eight years he was able to oversee and assist in a substantial expansion of radiologic services at that institution.

Dr. Eakin retired from medicine in 1988 to pursue a law degree, an interest he harbored since his residency days. He graduated from the University of Tulsa Law School in two and one half years, passing the bar exams in early 2000 and being accepted into the Oklahoma Bar. A plan to practice medical defense law with a firm in Tulsa was sidelined by a mild heart attack during the second year of law school. As Dave said, it seemed wiser to retire than to test fate with another arduous career.

Dave enjoyed his years of retirement immensely, playing golf with past friends from Saint Francis most Mondays and with his golf group at Southern Hills Country Club during the other days of the week when possible. Most enjoyable for him was playing golf with his wife Jane who had taken up golf so they would have that to do together. David loved reading and learning and at any given time might be found reading physics or math books or working on learning French on his own. David and Jane enjoyed traveling with numerous trips to France to expand their culinary abilities. Other adventures included Spain, Italy, Morocco and St. Barthelemy. They also enjoyed spending three or four weeks a year in Scottsdale and San Diego.

David is survived by his wife Jane of 58 years who he loved dearly. Also surviving are his son David V. Eakin, MD a psychiatrist in Tulsa, and Mrs. Ashley Neal of Tulsa. He was incredibly proud of both his children and his two grandchildren Taylor and Max and was privileged to have all of them here in Tulsa.

David will be much missed. Services will be held at Harvard Avenue Christian Church on Thursday May 23rd at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Animal Aid of Tulsa, the Salvation Army, and the endowment fund at Harvard Avenue Christian Church would be graciously welcomed.