David "Dave" William Farmer
November 22, 1945 - May 31, 2026
David William Farmer, 80, of Dewey, joined his wife and soulmate in heaven on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Dave was born November 22, 1945, in Bartlesville, the youngest of three children to Edward Ray and Edith Brennan (Mason) Farmer. He started school at a two-room schoolhouse in Antioch and in the seventh grade started at Dewey Public Schools, graduating Dewey High School in 1963. Dave was a wonderful storyteller and would often share fond memories of his early years.
After receiving a letter for the draft into the Army, Dave instead chose to enlist in the Navy, since his older brother had been in the Navy during Korea. Dave served during Vietnam and was also in the "58" Seabees, serving in Flora, Mississippi, Camp Fogarty, Camp Lejeune, Red Beach Run, the Happy Valley Quarries, and Quarry Nam HOA.
After Vietnam, he returned home and worked for 37 years at Reda Pump, where he made many lifelong friends.
Dave met the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Roth, in the summer of 1974 and it was a whirlwind romance. They married on December 12, 1974, in Copan. As Brenda was leaving work at Phillips, Dave would pass her on his way to work and they would wave. Dave eventually got Brenda's phone number from his niece and so began the courtship.
Together the couple enjoyed traveling. They especially loved the mountains and put many miles on their RV. Dave and Brenda were active in Dave's "58" Seabees reunion association, helped organize events, and loved going to the reunions.
Dave was a longtime member of the Oldies 'n Goodies Car Club and he enjoyed car shows and races. His favorite vehicle was his square body truck, which was his most recent project.
Through the years Dave had honed a special bond with Jack and Steve Snelson. One of the joys of his retirement years was working with them on their farm.
Sue Thomas was a caregiver for both Brenda and Dave when their health declined. The family would like to express their love and gratitude to Sue for her unwavering care for Dave in the last few years.
Dave was a regular at the Copan Truck Stop where he and his friends shared good times and stories at the Dewey Boys' Table. He also loved going to Murphy's and Weeze's and was often a favorite of the restaurants' staff. He was caring and generous and never met a stranger. His stories and love will be missed by all who have known him.
Survivors include two nieces, Barb Ogan and husband Doug, and Brenda Thomas; five nephews, Steve Snelson and wife Pam, Ken Farmer and wife Terri, Lance Knight and wife Angel, Luke Thomas and wife Amanda, and Troy Thomas; his special sister-in-law, Sue Thomas; three brothers-in-law, Dan Roth, Jack Snelson, and Milo Riedel; and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda Farmer; his parents, Edward and Edith Farmer; his sister, Joan Riedel; his brother, Eddie Farmer and his wife Joanne; and his niece, Pam Witt.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to The Journey Home, 900 N.E. Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Dave's family will receive friends from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel, 113 S. Osage Ave., Dewey, OK 74029, 918-534-3030. Come and go visitation will also be held from 10-8 Thursday.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, at Dewey First Baptist Church with Pastor Chuck McCarthy officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Davis and Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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