David Kenneth Knapp
Obituary
David Kenneth Knapp, 64, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2015 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.
David was born on September 14, 1950 in El Dorado, Kansas to Janet and Dale Knapp. The family moved to Norman, OK where David attended school, graduating from Norman High School in 1968. Often, people are surprised to learn that he was an gifted trumpet player, winning district and state contests and receiving multiple music scholarship offers for college.
He attended the University of Oklahoma, initially on a music scholarship, and graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
David’s career path was established when he began working for Harold’s original menswear store on Campus Corner in Norman where he became manager in his early 20’s. As Harold’s expanded, he worked for the stores in Oklahoma City, and eventually opened the stores in Tulsa, first at the Farm and later in Utica Square. Later, he worked as manager/buyer for the Polo Ralph Lauren Store in Utica Square.
In 1997, David married Diane Foor, also of Norman, and became the proud step-father to Diane’s sons, Trey, Clark, and Grant Wheeler. In addition to his wife, Diane, David is survived by the boys and their families: Trey and wife, Lauren (Kula), and daughter, Elaine of Bremerton, WA; Clark and wife, Carolyn (Deuschle) of Cambridge, MA; and Grant of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by two brothers: Richard and his sons, Adam, Eric, and Ryan; and Rob and wife, Susan (Brubaker) and daughters, Lea and Julia.
In addition to time spent with family, David was an avid tennis player, enjoyed reading, watching all sports (especially OU sports) and listening to jazz. He was appreciated for his dry wit, kindness, self-effacement and calm demeanor. He also loved animals, great and small.
David’s most unique gift was his capacity for lasting friendship. Regardless of when and where you knew him, whether a customer or colleague, employee or employer, tennis partner, classmate, or fraternity brother, he loved to share memories of time spent with friends. Therefore, as per his wishes, a gathering of friends and family to share stories and memories of David is being planned for the Fall in lieu of a formal memorial service.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Dave played trumpet in our band in college for many years when we rocked at local clubs, high school dances, and sorority and fraternity parties. He was always fun to be around and was always smiling. Maybe God has a band in Heaven. He will be missed by everyone who knew him..
Don Harral
Dear Diane and family. David sounds like a wonderful person and I know he will be greatly missed.
Phoebe Baker
We lost a very good man !!!
Pat Jones
David was my good buddy from 3rd grade through graduation. I have countless wonderful memories, and the summary of those is he was one of the smartest, most patient and nicest I have ever known. a wonderful guy. the last time I saw David was in 1978. Sincerely, Alan K Winters, Norman OK.
Alan Winters
Diane, blessings of peace to you and your family at this difficult time. I know David made you happy. That may have been his greatest achievement.
Annie Malloy
I'm so sad that our classmate, David Knapp, has left us so early. I think of David often and always hoped he'd make one of our get together a but I see now he has been too busy to leave Tulsa for a minute. I always enjoyed his charm and his witt. David you will be truly missed by you Me and the rest of your friends from the NHS Class of '68!!!
Sara Haddock
Susan and Rob my heartfelt prayers are with you and your loved ones. Cancer is such an insidious disease and it hurts my soul to know your brother and his family had to endure it. Know that he is free at last!
Susan Fetner