David Neal Lankford
1945 – 2023
David Neal Lankford, 78, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away surrounded by his family on November 16, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer. He was a member of New Hope Church of Christ.
David was born in 1945 to Neal and Mary Fay Lankford in Wichita, Kansas. He is survived by his brother James Lankford (and Vera) of DeKalb, Ill. He is also survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Pamela. Pam and David raised two children, Christy (and Matt) Dowell of Edmond and Kyle Lankford of Norman. He was a very proud “Pepaw” to twin grandchildren, Jaxon and Eden Dowell.
David earned a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University, as well as a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in environmental health from the University of Oklahoma. He enjoyed research and served as one of the City of Oklahoma City’s first public health officers. He had a long career in aviation systems standards with the Federal Aviation Administration. Among other work, David was recognized for helping to safely increase capacity at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, as well as work with NASA and the A380 certification program. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by Oklahoma Christian University in 1999.
David was an avid golfer for many years. He enjoyed playing on Saturday mornings with friends as well as building golf clubs. As he approached retirement his passion became fly fishing. He fished in many places around the country and was excited to have visited the birthplace of fly fishing in England. He particularly enjoyed fishing at Beavers Bend in southeast Oklahoma, and he took many trips there with his friends and family. He was an audiophile and enjoyed building speakers in search of the perfect sound.
David was extremely proud of his grandchildren. He loved cheering and supporting them in their academic and athletic endeavors. He never missed an opportunity to share their many successes using finely crafted emails & pictures as well as conversation with anyone he was near.
In lieu of donations the family asks that you consider making a donation in David’s memory to Oklahoma Christian University Natural & Health Sciences Department by clicking the link here.
Public visitation will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to greet friends and guests.
Services will be held Monday, November 27, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Church of Christ, 700 W 2nd St, Edmond, OK 73003.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. It was great having our paths cross again after several years. Our prayer is that God will give you the peace and inner strength that you will need in the coming days, months, years.
Our Love
Ken & Linda Franklin
What a wonderful friend, he will be greatly missed. We shared so many things; my call to during ball games, auto questions, world items, just anything and all things. My best friend, like a brother.
Dave, Pam, Frank and I (sometimes with other couples) had a blast traveling and Broken Bow was a given. We will miss asking “How many did you catch?”
He was always gentle, patient and kind.
Our hearts ache but we know we will see him again.
Frank & Barbara
I did not know David well or for very long but he was a very kind man. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the family. My father really enjoyed David going to his ranch with him and teaching him some fly fishing skills.
Went to public schools with David for 12 years.Just had 60th reunion and I spent time catching up cause had been 60 years since.Shared his love for fly fishing.So thankful had that opportunity.My heart and prayers go out his family.
John Gibbs