David Allison Staudt, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and public servant, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, at the age of 88.  Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the oldest child of Ruth Allison Staudt and John Guild Staudt, and brother of Janet Staudt Allen and Daniel Guild Staudt.

Dave, as most people called him, was a popular student at Tulsa Central High School, from which he graduated in 1954.  He enrolled at Oklahoma University and after a year transferred to Stanford University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering, followed by a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University in Evanston, Il.

Dave started his professional career selling computers, followed by a 28-year career at the National Science Foundation in DC, where he ran their computer department and helped found the Internet. Following his NSF career, he helped link minority colleges to the internet.  He ended his career by starting his own company installing internet connecting equipment to three small Pacific islands.

His passion for public service extended beyond his professional life.  Dave was among the first in the nation to donate bone marrow. He was a dedicated volunteer, but most of all, he loved spending time with his four sons, Michael, Jeffrey, Elliot and Graham who gave him seven wonderful grandchildren.

Shortly after returning to live in Tulsa in 2010, Dave met Coach Kenneth Reed and in April of 2024, the Reed Community Foundation honored Dave for his decades of volunteer service.

Soon after arriving in Tulsa, Dave met his companion and partner, Mieke Epps.  They enjoyed many years together until his diagnosis of Alzheimer's required out-of-home care in the fall of 2022.  As the disease progressed, Dave's sense of humor, his courage and positive attitude gained the respect and admiration of those around him.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to those who supported and cared for Dave during his final years:  Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living, The Grove at Midtown, Live Well Hospice, and Miller Hospice as well as to Mieke as Dave's caregiver.

David will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  His legacy of service and compassion shall live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and John Staudt, as well as his younger brother Danny. His sister Janet continued to be of great support until the end.

Change in location for the Memorial Service:  A 'Celebration of Life' will be held at Hope Unitarian Church, 8432 South Sheridan Road in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

Donations in David's honor can be made to the "Reed Community Foundation", 210 East Latimer Place, Tulsa 74106 and to "The Grove at Midtown" (Memory unit), 5211 South Lewis Ave, Tulsa, Ok. 74105,  or to the charity of your choice.

Contact person: miekeepps@sbcglobal.net