David Gray Carpenter

David grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Northeast Classen High School. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Navy. Following his service, he returned home and began a long career as a city bus driver, where he worked for over 30 years. He was a dedicated and hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family.

He married Mildred Manes, and together they shared many years of life and love. David adopted Mildred’s daughter, Donna, and loved her as his own.

David will be remembered for his intelligence, his steady nature, and his quiet sense of humor. He enjoyed the simple things in life, he even liked reading the phone book, and was a loyal fan of OSU and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was raised in a Christian home, and those values stayed with him throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Rebecca (Raby) Carpenter; his wife, Mildred Carpenter; and his sister, Jenene Mulford.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Edward Butcher; his grandchildren, Lisa Shanks and husband Corey, Justin Butcher and wife Jena, Evie Reid and husband Cory, and Alexandra Murphy and husband Christopher; and his great-grandchildren, Jesi Shanks, Wesley Butcher, and Killian Murphy. He also leaves behind many friends who will remember him fondly.

David will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Rose Hill Burial Park.