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.