David Ray Orme

David Orme was born on May 9, 1943, to Virgil and Lillian Catherine ("Dolly") Goldsmith Orme in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1945, the family moved to Anadarko, where they joined the family's farming and ranching operation - a legacy that continues today through four generations.

David passed away peacefully at the age of 82 years and six months, surrounded by loved ones, in Oklahoma City on November 9, 2025.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Melba (Steelman) Orme, and their three sons: Robert Ray Orme and his wife Jessika of Cleveland, Ohio; William David Orme and his wife Lori of Montrose, Colorado; and Jeremy Ferrell Webb of Cashion, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his grandson Dylan Ray Orme of Montrose, Colorado; his sister-in-law Recia Jones Orme of Anadarko, Oklahoma; and nephews Brett Orme and his wife Julie of Stigler, Oklahoma, and Bryan Orme and his wife Lorie of Jones, Oklahoma.

In addition, David wanted everyone to know how deeply he loved his extended Steelman family - his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He often said they were "all good people" and that he had truly lived a blessed life surrounded by an amazing family.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Lillian Orme, his sister Janice Orme, and his brother Robert Allen Orme.

David attended school in Anadarko, where he was active in numerous organizations and activities, including baseball, football, and church programs. After graduating from Anadarko High School, he attended Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Throughout his distinguished career, David held engineering, management, and executive positions at several major communications corporations, including Collins Radio Inc., Western Electric Inc., AT&T Inc., Lucent Technologies Inc., and Celestica Inc. He retired as Vice President of Manufacturing at Lucent Technologies and continued in the same role at Celestica following his retirement.

After fully retiring, David and Melba returned to their beloved ranch near Anadarko, where they continued their cattle operation and remained active in church and community life. David served as Lay Leader at First United Methodist Church for many years and was honored as Man of the Year in 2011 by the Anadarko Chamber of Commerce.

David was a proud member of numerous professional and civic organizations and served on the Boards of Directors for Red Earth Inc., the Anadarko Chamber of Commerce, the Anadarko Community Library, Comanche Nation Enterprises Inc., the Comanche Nation Loan Program, and the Noble Foundation Integrity Beef Program Inc.

David loved God, his family, his church, his work, and his community. He wanted everyone to know that he has moved on to heaven - where, as he said, "the grass is stirrup-high and the water is crystal clear and deep."

The family would especially like to thank his caregivers Carolyn Flannigan and Cheryl Sutton whose kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace during his final days.

Funeral: 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025

Cowboy Church of Apache-Elgin

15513 US 62, Apache, OK

Visitation: 3:00 - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home

Anadarko, OK

Family will be welcoming guests between 5:00 -7:00 p.m.

Interment: Memory Lane Cemetery

Anadarko, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Anadarko, OK