David Gelmers

David H. Gelmers was born on January 4, 1954, in Wichita, KS. He was the son of J. Martin and Patsy Gelmers and the grandson of Hank and Lidia Gelmers of Newkirk, OK. David was a member of Holy Cross, Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS. He was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Ponca City on March 14, 1954. He was confirmed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on June 2, 1968. David attended school in Wichita and graduated from high school in 1972. David joined the Navy and served our country as a construction mechanic for 4 years from 1973-1977. He returned to Wichita where he worked as a aircraft and automobile mechanic for Beechcraft, Toyota, and Raytheon.

David never married, but he loved "Duke" his English Springer Spaniel. Duke was David's companion and best friend. David enjoyed riding his Honda motorcycle as a member of the local Gold Wing Club. He was a member of the North Star Lodge No. 168 Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas. David was also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Midian Shriners of Wichita, Kansas.

After years of dialysis for renal failure, David passed away on April 23, 2022 from a short battle with terminal cancer. He was 68 years old.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his only two brothers John and Michael Gelmers. With David's death, his entire branch of the Gelmers' family is gone. David is survived by his aunt Louse Gelmers of Ponca City, OK and seven cousins and their spouses: Pike Farr and wife Barbara of St. Louis, MO, Mike Farr and wife Donna Kay of Houston, TX, Gayne Phillips and husband Jim of Mercer Island, WA, Geri Johnston and husband Steve of Mount Pleasant, SC, Jill Thomas and husband Craig of Appleton, WI, Andy Gelmers and wife Cindy of Tulsa, OK, Julie Lawrence and husband Neal of Ponca City, OK.

A graveside memorial service will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Newkirk City Cemetery with Pastor Francis Bartley, Jr officiating.