David Semrad

David Lynn Semrad was born to Herman Melvin Semrad and Lorene Marie Bridgewater Semrad on July 26, 1942, in Enid, Oklahoma.

David grew up on a wheat farm in Hunter, Oklahoma, and served in his youth as an active member and president of Oklahoma 4-H. From a young age, he developed a love of traveling, camping, fishing and woodworking. In later years, he was a distinguished member of the Boerne Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution.

He attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English. While at OSU, he met and married the love of his life, Judy Ruth Rose. In getting acquainted, they discovered they had been delivered by the same doctor in Enid a few years apart.

David then earned a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, before completing his Doctor of Ministry at St. Paul's School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri.

He served as the associate pastor of First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, Kansas, from 1967 to 1969; director of United Methodist Campus Ministry at the Ecumenical Campus Center at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, from 1969 to 1978; and director of United Methodist Campus Ministry in San Antonio from 1978 until he retired in 2008. He ministered to college students and people from all walks of life, and befriended international students from around the world by being a host family with his wife and daughters.

David was known as a gentle soul and person of peace. He sympathized with the downtrodden and was passionate about civil rights and social justice. A cultivator of relationships and devoted community action leader, he participated in such community organizations as Metro Alliance and San Antonio Communities Organized for Public Service.

He led and participated in many international mission projects in Mexico and Russia, and engaged in a three-month sabbatical in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His campus ministry included education, dialogue, and outreach to raise the consciousness of students in the areas of theology, bible study, social justice, cross-cultural ministry, and community service, and took such forms as his popular “Hot Potato” lecture series that included information, guest speakers, and dialogue about current issues, and “Urban Plunges” in which students experienced the city’s transit system. He was a matchmaker at times and performed many marriages, baptisms, and funerals. He also was a guest pastor in many local United Methodist Churches.

David died on January 6 and was followed in death by Judy on May 23.

He is survived by daughters, Tavi Sellers and Staci Semrad; Tavi’s children, Addison Drutz, Suzanne Drutz and Tiffany Sellers; their respective fathers, Adam Drutz and Mike Sellers; brother, Melvin Semrad; and aunt, Helen Semrad Provine.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 5 at Ladusau-Evans Chapel in Enid, OK. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, OK. Condolences may be made at www.ladusauevans.com

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