David E Okerstrom

David Eugene Okerstrom, 80, entered into the presence of his Savior on January 8, 2015 at Westchester Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center in Clearwater, Florida. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on October 13, 1934. David was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School and St. Petersburg Bible Institute. While attending Bible college, he met and married the love of his life, Ginger, who would remain his faithful companion for sixty years. David came from a lineage of ministers spanning over one hundred years and pastored churches in Illinois and Florida. He was licensed for over 50 consecutive years with Open Bible Churches of Des Moines, Iowa. He was affectionately called “Pastor O” by many and even continued to minister to the residents and staff of Westchester Gardens where he lived since 2010.

David was a wonderful husband, father, “Papa”, and pastor to his family and extensive church family. He loved to worship the Lord through singing, playing the guitar and trombone. He often broke out spontaneously in song while preaching. He instilled a love of music, worship, and the Word of God in his two daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. David left an amazing spiritual legacy to not only his family, but the numerous congregants whom he faithfully served.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard K. and Rebie Belle Okerstrom, and sisters, Helen Okerstrom and Joyce Gleason. He is survived by his loving wife, Ginger of Safety Harbor, FL, his daughter, Donna Shelman (Wayne) of Orting, WA, his daughter Darlene Spears (Steve) of Collinsville, AL, his grandchildren, Aria James (Joseph), Justin Spears (Anna), Briana Crawford, Abigail Velázquez (Omar), Carissa Brewer, Diandra Brewer, Chase Spears, Jillian Ivey (Logan), Ethan Brewer, Taylor Spears, his great grandchildren, Jaxon James, Jordyn Crawford, Jaron James, Jaidyn James, Sean Malik Jackson, Haidyn Crawford, Imogen Spears, Oliver Velázquez, his brother, Kenneth Okerstrom (Beverly), and sister, Miriam Putney (James).

Friends and family may visit from 2-3PM at the Bayside Community Church of God, 3380 State Road 580, Safety Harbor, Fl. 34695 with Funeral Services to follow at 3 PM.