Born in Fort Totten, North Dakota, David was the youngest child of Richard Cryer, Sr and Winnie Burton Cryer, joining older siblings, Darrell, Norma and Richard Jr. Richard Sr. was an Indian Superintendent with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, so the family traveled through much of David’s childhood. He grew up with the Spirit Lake Nation of Fort Totten, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in Plummer, ID, and the Navajo Tribe at Window Rock, AZ.
The Cryers were members of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation themselves, so after Richard retired in 1958, the family resettled in Wanette, Oklahoma, where David met the love of his life, Rebecca Schoemann. They were united in marriage on July 25, 1964 and celebrated 56 years together.
David joined the US Army in 1964 where he served as a Personnel Specialist with the Army Security Agency at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There, he and Becky welcomed their first child, Eric. David served out his enlistment and left the Army as a Sergeant, earning an Army Commendation Medal.
David, Becky and Eric moved several times in the next few years, as David worked for Transcon Freight Lines and Becky pursued her law degree. After settling in Norman, they welcomed daughter Aimie and David started working in the oil and gas industry. Son Andrew rounded out the family several years later.
Other careers David had included being an insurance agent in Seminole, owning a KarmelKorn franchise at Sooner Fashion Mall, and being an admin clerk in the Cleveland County Clerk’s Office, from where he retired in 2008.
Mostly, he loved fishing and hunting with Andrew, watching golf and Nascar races, and doting on his grandchildren. He was the rock of the family, and loved with his whole heart.
David leaves behind his three children, Eric (Melissa) of Norman, Aimie (Jason) of Austin, TX and Andrew (Julianna) of Pensacola, FL; five grandchildren, Nathan (Natalie), Ella, Ethan, Kane and Kenai; brothers Darrell (Joan) of Schenectady, NY, Richard (Kaye) of Norman; and sister Norma of Greenacres, WA, along with numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Rebecca Alice Cryer.
David and Rebecca’s ashes will be interred at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman. Graveside services will take place Friday, June 14th at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in David’s memory to the charity of your choice.
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