David Martin Anthony passed away after a long illness on June 21, 2014 at home with his family at his side. He was born November 20, 1926 in Oswego, NY to Rev. Albert James and Julia Martin Anthony. Dave grew up in Michigan and upstate New York as the family moved to various parsonages where his father served as a Presbyterian minister. Summers were spent at the Martin farm in Lima, NY. Dave graduated from Alma, Michigan High School in December 1943 and entered Dartmouth College in March 1944. Shortly after that Dave enlisted in the Navy serving on an LST (landing ship tank) with a tour of duty that included China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines and meeting in the Pacific with his brother, who was also serving in the Navy. At the end of the war Dave returned to Dartmouth, where he graduated with a degree in geology. Through college friends Dave met Pat Morley, an American Airline stewardess. They married September 7, 1950 in Midland, Texas, where Dave was working as a geologist for Cities Services Oil Co. Dave's job took them from Midland to Bartlesville, OK, Lafayette, LA, and Red Bank and Westfield, NJ where he worked in New York City. During this time, he and Pat became the proud parents of Cathy, Jonathan, and Bob. In 1963 he returned to the corporate headquarters of Cities Services Oil Co. in Bartlesville and in 1967 the family settled in Tulsa, OK. Dave retired in 1983. Throughout most of his life, Dave was involved with Boy Scouts. He served as a scoutmaster for troops in Bartlesville and Tulsa, helping many boys, including his two sons, achieve the Eagle Scout Award. Dave took scouts to Philmont, N.M. Boy Scout Ranch and a troop to the 1973 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In 1974 Dave received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award for adult volunteers in Scouting. In retirement he volunteered at Church of the Madalene Men's Club and also at the Red Cross for over 20 years. In addition to volunteer work, Dave pursued his interest in woodworking, crafting toys, including trucks, tractors, and American Girl Doll furniture. During retirement Dave and Pat traveled to Ireland, Mexico, Alaska, Canada, Italy, Bermuda, and throughout the U.S. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob, and his grandson Justin Anthony. He is survived by his wife, Pat, his three children, Cathy Anthony Tkach(Larry) of Davis, CA, Dr. Jonathan Anthony (Jennifer)of Tulsa, and Bob (Holly) Anthony of Norman, his nephews Bob Anthony and Chris Bard, nieces Jennie Bard, Elaine Morley, and Sue Morley, and twelve grandchildren: David, Daniel, Sarah, and Andrew Tkach (Davis, CA); Jason, Julia, and Jennifer Jane Anthony (Tulsa, OK); and Aaron (Mandy), Joe, Mary and Michael Anthony (Norman), Anna (Jamen)Anthony Nowka, of (Norman,OK); and one great grand daughter Arriya Nowka. The family would like to express deepest gratitude to Dr. Mike Weisz of OU Schusterman Center and to Image Hospice, especially Nurse Julie, Aide Marie, social worker Kim, and Dr. Oliver Cerqueira. Their support and the kindness of friends have lightened this journey more than we can say. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Meals on Wheels or Catholic Charities.
The Rosary will be said at 6:30 pm on Friday, June 27 at Church of the Madalene Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday June 28 at Church of the Madalene Catholic Church.