David Wesley Cavnar was born in Purcell, Okla., to Wes and Peggy Cavnar on April 16, 1955. He grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Crooked Oak Schools, graduating from Crooked Oak High School in 1973. David also attended Oscar Rose College. He was a resident of Purcell for many years, raising his son Cayce there. In later years, he made his home in Moore. David was employed in the General Motors plant in Oklahoma City from the time of its opening until the facility closed.
David was an avid fan of all sports. As a youth, he played baseball; as a dad, he coached his son’s baseball teams; and as a grandpa, he delighted in his grandson’s baseball and football achievements. He was a great supporter of OU football, attending many games throughout his adult years - Boomer Sooner! He owned a large collection of OU hats and was rarely seen without one. He also enjoyed following the OKC Thunder and the Kansas City Chiefs. When he was no longer able to attend games, David watched hours of sports on TV and listened to radio sports commentary.
As a native son, David was interested in everything Oklahoma. He was a master of OU sports trivia, of small towns and their football mascots, and of all things related to Route 66. David regularly amazed his caregivers at the nursing facility with his trivia knowledge! He loved to have conversations on a variety of subjects with anyone who came to visit with him.
David had a kind, compassionate, and generous heart and his family was all important to him. He dearly loved his parents, his sisters, his son and family, and his many friends. David took early retirement from GM in order to care for his parents in their final years. He regularly sent birthday cards and gifts to his grandchildren, signing the cards, “Love, Your Grandpa Cavnar.”
David leaves his son, Cayce (wife Krissa) and four grandchildren, Connor, Cayman, Cash, and Cayson. He also leaves his sisters, Susan Haraughty (husband David) and Nancy Hord (husband Tom), many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
The family wishes to thank the nursing facility staff for their care, many of whom showed David an extra measure of kindness and respect. Thank you to Luminos Hospice, especially to Ray, who became a close friend, and Chaplain Dominic. Thanks also to Bristol Hospice for their loving and devoted care, especially to Cheri, Christy and Chaplain Jamie. Donations for the care team in David’s honor may be given at the funeral home.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home and Chapel in Moore. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with the service following at 10 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and white or OU gear (unless you are an OSU fan). David’s ashes will be interred with his parents at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell after the service.