Our family lost David Roberts, a loving husband, dad, and “Papaw Dave” on March 1, 2026 at the Meeker Nursing Center.
Dave’s family moved from Norman to Purcell during his high school years. A proud Dragon, he excelled in football, wrestling, and weight lifting.
Dave’s family owned and operated the Bill Evans Nursing Home until Bill, his stepfather, and his mother, Florence, passed. Dave sold the nursing home to the Wadley family in the late 70s. Dave was a well-respected Nursing Home Administrator throughout Central Oklahoma. He retired from long term care in 2012, when his health was declining. He had been a resident of the Meeker Nursing Center since August of 2021.
David married Gayla Nottnagel on Dec. 3, 2010 at Castle Falls in Oklahoma City, Okla. They resided in Edmond prior to moving back to Prague when David’s health declined.
Roberts has held a 50+ year bond with the Purcell “Brothers”. He and Gayla want to recognize them and the great times held at the Smith’s family “compound” and Jo’s Pizza.
Jessie “Hubba” Green Ron Hunt Rick Ewing
Brad Clark Tom Smith Darrell Dodds
Most Honorably Recognized (deceased)
Ted Clark Dr. David Glover Coach Bob Haley
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Florence (Mann) Roberts.
Leaving behind are his wife, Gayla Roberts; daughter, Stacy White (Kyle); son, Jay Roberts (Lisa); granddaughters, Kailey and Ashlyn White; stepson, Dustin Nottnagel (Erica); stepdaughter, Kelli Taber (Mike). Also stepgranddaughter, Julia Nottnagel; stepgrandsons, Mitchell Arthur, Brody Arthur and Jaxton Nottnagel; and sisters, Debbie Young (John) and Diane Vanzant.
An informal memorial service will be held in Purcell at the Trinity Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. with Dick Gray officiating.
David’s full obituary can be viewed at A&E Funeral Services, Shawnee, Okla.