David Moss

David Thompson Moss, 74, peacefully took his last breath on Jan. 29, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz., two years after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

David was born April 4, 1947, in Kingfisher and after graduating from the University of Oklahoma, he married Shirley Beckel in 1970.

He served in the U.S. Navy and then returned to the University of Oklahoma where he continued his education in environmental science.

After working for the EPA in San Diego for a few years, he and Shirley moved back to Oklahoma where he followed in his father’s footsteps and learned the plumbing trade, eventually starting his own business in Tempe, Ariz. David was not your average plumber.

He enjoyed getting to know his customers as much as he enjoyed helping them fix their plumbing problems. He was always eager to enter into conversation with anyone he met regardless of their background, ready to learn from them and be enriched by their life experience.

David was an active member at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Tempe, where he served for many years on the parish council, the festival committee and as a lector.

He served the local community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, delivering food with St. Vincent de Paul and donating blood on a regular basis. David was known by everyone to be generous, selfless, humble, gregarious, witty and intellectual. He was compassionate, honest, forgiving, fair and optimistic.

Even during his sickness, he always saw the beauty in life and never complained or bemoaned his situation.

David was an excellent cook and baker since childhood.

He loved being in nature, especially birdwatching. He enjoyed road trips, going hiking, taking his dog on walks, and watching historical documentaries, especially about World War II.

David was extremely proud of his two daughters, Hilary and Sydney, and all of their accomplishments.

His grandson, Alexander, was the light of his life and the reason David and Shirley eventually retired to Tucson.

David relished the time he spent with Alexander and he was the kindest, most patient Papa imaginable.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters Hilary Wiechert (Jim) and Sydney (Daughter of Mary Help of Christians); and his grandson, Alexander.

David was preceded in death by his parents Genevieve and Vernon “Red,” his brother Tommy and his granddaughter, Natalie Wiechert.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at Kingfisher Cemetery.

David’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Haven Hospice for always treating him with compassion, warmth and dignity.