DENISON – After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Captain William David Compton, USPHS, Ret. passed away on April 14, 2022. On December 10, 1947, David was born in Anadarko, OK, to William J. and Kathryn J. Compton of Gracemont, OK. He was a 1966 graduate of Gracemont High School. He married Mary Ann Kobza of Anadarko, OK, on May 23, 1970. A few weeks later, he graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK. David served in the US Navy from (1970-to 1976) and was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War as a cryptologic technician. David received a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Oklahoma in 1976. He then began a 26-year career (1977-2003) as a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service, serving for the Indian Health Service in Wewoka, OK; Ada, OK; Phoenix, AZ; and Aberdeen, SD. While in Aberdeen, David was an active member of the Exchange Club, serving as District President. His goal was to attend a meeting in each of the clubs, which he did accomplish.
After retiring, David and his family moved to Denison, TX, where he was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and volunteered for the American Red Cross, the VA Medical Center at Bonham, TX, and Meals on Wheels of Texoma. He was also a licensed amateur radio operator with call sign KC0EHR and member of the American Radio Relay League.
David is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann of Denison, TX; son Major Matthew Compton, USAF, and his wife Elisa of San Antonio, TX; daughter Laura, of Kalispell, MT; and son Richard, of Denison, TX; as well as two grandchildren, Melody and Sean, several brothers- and sisters-in-law: Henry Kobza and wife Cee; Vincent Kobza and wife Vernetta; Agnes Spiller and husband Jimmy; Theresa Nault and husband David; and Frank Kobza; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Janelle Owings; parents-in-law Frank and Anna Kobza; brother-in-law Johnny Kobza; and niece Jessica Kobza.
David felt the prayers for him were answered in that he lived longer than expected and was able to still visit with family and friends up to his last day. He wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and the healthcare professionals who did so much for him. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s at 314 North Rusk Avenue in Denison, TX, on Friday, April 22 at 2:00 PM, with Father Stephen Mocio and Deacon Gary Vogel officiating. Family and friends can gather to visit beforehand in the church hall at noon. Interment, to be determined at a later date, will be at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, two of David’s favorite charities were Disabled American Veterans and American Red Cross.
Condolences may be registered online at www.fisherfh.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.
