Final Salute

David Fred Nittler was born on June 14, 1942, to Elma Lucille and Hale Reid Nittler. As
their only child, he was loved beyond measure by his parents and cherished Aunt,
Helen Blackwell. He was instilled with a sense of service to family, community, and
country during his upbringing, and his remarkable life is proof of these values.
David’s life of service began in high school, where he became an Eagle Scout and
earned the Silver Award as an Explorer Scout. After high school, he attended OSU and
joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. Upon finishing his Civil Engineering BS and IEM MS
degree, he felt called to enlist in the Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam War.
He completed two tours in Vietnam, serving as a Combat Engineer and a Construction
Company Commander in the Seabees division, building facilities to support combat
troops.
After returning from the Vietnam War, he attended OU Dental School on the GI bill and
began a dental practice in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1980. He prided himself on providing
meticulous service to his patients and was particularly honored when patients who
feared dentists came out of his office saying, “That wasn’t so bad.”
He met Betty Duncan, the love of his life, and they married on May 24, 1986. For the
next few decades, David’s service revolved around his commitment to his family. He
coached little league baseball and soccer, tutored algebra, shuttled children to and from
activities, attended performances and games, and barbecued delicious meals. He
loved being a part of the Spirit and OCU Soccer Family, remained active in the OU
Dental Community, OSU’s Industrial Engineering and Management Cowboy Academy,
and the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After retirement, he threw himself into helping his neighbors. Neighbors remarked that
no one knew each other before he and Betty moved to the neighborhood. He and Betty
connected neighbors, extended a helping hand when needed, and led to neighbors
helping one another.
He loved to travel with Betty, work in the yard, hunt, fish, banter with friends and family,
collect coins, admire fancy cars, throw a good party, search for a good deal, and
dutifully check off his “To do” list which was always in hand!
David’s life ended on December 16, 2024, at home, surrounded by his family, after a
long year of battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Betty; three children – Stacy Lea
Dwyer and spouse Scott Dwyer, Melissa Paige Nittler and spouse Tyler Thompson,
David Taylor Nittler and spouse Kayla Nittler; five grandchildren – Jon McWhorter, and
spouse Lexus McWhorter, Sara Taylor, Reid, Grant, and Merritt Thompson; two great-
grandchildren – Mia and Lilith McWhorter; and loads of friends made throughout his life.
May his life of service and commitment to family, community, and country inspire
others.
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