David Russell Zornes, 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on March 17, 2024, after an abrupt onset of pulmonary fibrosis. His sudden loss leaves a void in the hearts of his wife, family and countless whose lives he touched.
David was born on August 28, 1947, in Iola, Kansas above the Ramsey's Department store on the square. Born to Jessie Lee (Adams) and Russell Roy Zornes, he was the first child of a family of seven. David's work ethic was clear early in his life, starting his first job at Robinson's Grocery Store at age 10. He continued to work jobs such as cooking with his mother at L&M Truck Stop, then working at Lucy's Grocery Store, M&M meat packing plant and finally at the Lehigh Cement plant with his father and future father-in-law. At the same time, David also played the trumpet in the band, was a member of the student council, was active in the youth group at the Iola Assembly of God Church and was a proud member of the Iola Mustang football team until graduation in 1965. Being the first in his family to graduate from college, David went on to earn both a bachelor's and master's degrees in education from The Kansas State Teacher's College of Emporia followed by a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Kansas (KU) in 1976.
David began his career as a teacher, teaching physics, chemistry, and earth science for 5 years in Kansas. After earning his master's degree in chemical engineering, David and Cindy moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma for David to take a job with Phillips 66. David had a long career with Phillips 66 and then ConocoPhillips, spanning over 35 years, beginning as a reservoir engineer, and eventually retiring as the Reservoir Engineering Manager of R&D. He had many patents, papers and was proud of his many career accomplishments and friendships. David inspired, supported, and mentored many engineering colleagues as well as family members and was very involved in the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He was particularly proud of being inducted into the Chemical Engineering Alumni Hall of Fame at KU in 2015 and his SPE Pioneer Award received in 2010.
David enjoyed his many family vacations and international business trips to places such as China, Norway, and Brazil. He enjoyed the stock market, fishing, visiting family and playing cards. David was also an avid sports fan who could be counted on to have a game or a race on the TV or would attend in person. David loved to send postcards to friends and family throughout the years. He coached softball teams, led Cub Scout troops, played in tennis and golf leagues, and enjoyed many orchestra concerts and other events his children and grandchildren participated in over the past 45 years. In the past 10 years, he enjoyed staying connected on social media with friends and family throughout the country. He was dedicated to his granddaughters and enjoyed taking them to music lessons, school and attending their graduations, concerts, martial arts contests and other events. David was also on the Board of the Edmond Historical Society and was involved in the neighborhood homeowner's association. David was known in the neighborhood for walking his dogs, Sparky and then Louie while visiting with neighbors along the way.
Throughout his life, David was involved in professional and political organizations. He believed in the power of education, science and he believed in the American dream. David was devoted to his family, believed in hard work, determination, community, and the inherent goodness of people. David was quick to donate to universities, schools, fundraisers, and other charitable organizations. In death, he participated in Life Share Oklahoma, to donate what he could of himself to others. David believed in people and believed in giving everyone a fair chance. Years ago, he established a scholarship at the Allen County Community College to support science and math students.
David is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Cynthia (Fine) Zornes as well as his children, Greta Zornes and Gregory David Zornes and his wife Christina Nicole. David's legacy lives on in grandchildren Priya June Valipe, Allison Christina Zornes, Genevieve Rose Zornes, and his many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is also survived by his siblings Donna, Bill, Robert, Janice (Wing), Terry and Thomas Tracy Zornes and sister-in-law Shelley (Fine) and husband Lloyd Guatney.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Edmond North High School Orchestra Boosters. https://enoboosters.square.site/product/eno-donation/20 (please note "in Memory of David Zornes") or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/tribute-program .
The Celebration of Life for David will be held on Saturday March 30, 2024, at 10:00am at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. For those not able to attend in person, an online stream will be available for viewing. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.