David Wayne Humphrey, a mainstay of the Oklahoma City professional community and a devoted family man known for his infectious humor and gift for conversation, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 9, 2026. He was 74 years old.
Humphrey’s life was defined by a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical sales or cheering alongside thousands of fans for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, he approached every interaction with a genuine warmth that ensured he “never met a stranger.”
Born on November 3, 1951, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Betty and Bill Humphrey, David’s early years were spent across the Midwest, living in Kansas City as well as Miami and Stillwater, Oklahoma. This regional upbringing fostered a deep connection to the heartland, a bond that remained central to his identity throughout his adult life.
A Foundation of Faith and Partnership
The trajectory of Humphrey’s life shifted significantly during his time at Oklahoma State University. It was here that he not only built a network of lifelong friendships but also met Marjorie Ward. Their relationship, rooted in the shared experiences of their college years, culminated in their marriage on August 21, 1976.
Together, David and Marjorie established their home in Oklahoma City, where they built a family centered on activity, music, and mutual support. For nearly five decades, their partnership served as the bedrock for their children and grandchildren, characterized by a shared love of adventure and a commitment to family presence.
Three Decades of Professional Impact
Professionally, Humphrey found his calling in the pharmaceutical industry, where his outgoing personality and natural aptitude for communication made him a standout in sales. He spent 31 years with Ross Laboratories, a tenure that spanned several eras of medical advancement.
Colleagues and medical professionals across Oklahoma remember Humphrey not merely as a representative of a company, but as a trusted peer. He maintained deep, lasting friendships with the nurses and doctors he served, blending professional diligence with a personal touch that earned him widespread respect throughout the state’s healthcare corridors.
| Year/Period | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1951 | Born November 3 in Kansas City, Kansas |
| 1976 | Married Marjorie Ward on August 21 |
| Career | 31-year tenure with Ross Laboratories |
| 2026 | Passed away May 9 in Oklahoma City |
A Legacy of Leisure and Laughter
Beyond his professional achievements, Humphrey was a man of diverse passions. He found solace and joy in the outdoors, whether he was fly-fishing in quiet streams, horseback riding, or skiing through snow-covered peaks. He was equally at home on a beach vacation or enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon with a cigar.
His enthusiasm extended to the sports arena, where he was a fervent supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. However, perhaps his most enduring personal legacy was the love of music he passed down to his children. He was known to frequent concerts and was a fixture on any available dance floor, where his “shoulder rolling” became a cherished family tradition.
To his grandchildren, he was known affectionately as “Hapa,” an engaged and active presence in their lives who prioritized the simple, meaningful moments of kinship over material pursuits.
Family and Survivors
David Humphrey is preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Bill Humphrey. He is survived by his wife, Margie; his daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Gino Paternostro; his son, Ryan, and his wife, Leah; and his brother, Larry, and his wife, Kay.
He also leaves behind four grandchildren—Annabelle and Leo Paternostro, and Iva and Faye Humphrey—along with a wide circle of extended family, fraternity brothers, and friends who remember him for his kindness and wit.
Service Arrangements and Memorials
The community will gather to honor Humphrey’s life and legacy on Friday, May 15, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. At Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 8005 Dorset Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73120.
Following the service, inurnment will take place at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7500 West Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that memorial gifts be directed toward the OMRF – Alzheimer’s & Neurological Diseases. Contributions can be made online via the OMRF donation portal or by mail to OMRF, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
Disclaimer: Information regarding medical research donations is provided for informational purposes only. Please verify current tax-deductibility status with the receiving organization.
The next scheduled event for the Humphrey family is the Mass of Christian Burial on May 15, 2026.
We invite readers to share their memories of David Wayne Humphrey or offer condolences to the family in the comments section below.
