David E. Portman's Obituary
David Edwin Portman, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away March 16, 2018 at the age of 73. Born on February 5, 1945 in Corpus Christi, Texas he grew up in Florida and Oklahoma. He graduated from Old Central High School in 1963 and Oklahoma State University in 1967 where he met the love of his life, Candy. They celebrated their 51st anniversary January 22, 2018. After graduation from Oklahoma State University he joined the United States Navy and became a lieutenant aboard the USS St. Francis River as their supply officer during the Viet Nam War. After returning home he worked as a right-of-way appraiser for the federal highway department, living in several states, enjoying seeing the country before settling in Tulsa. David worked as a real estate appraiser for over forty-five years. He was a member of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers and served as their president. David is survived by his wife Candy (Godwin) Portman, two daughters, Stephanie Portman and Stacey Gorden and her husband Donnie, and David’s beloved grandson, Graham David Gorden, all of Tulsa. Also surviving is his brother Philip R. Portman of Florida. He is preceded in death by his brother Michael H. Portman and his parents, Ed and Floriene Portman. David had a very funny, dry sense of humor. That’s what got them through 51 years of marriage. He loved his family and worked hard to give them a good life. He had a closet full of plaid shirts. His explanation was always, “If I spill something on it you will never know.” He cut his own hair with a Flowbee. In case you don’t know, a Flowbee is a hair cutting system that attaches to a vacuum. And he even owned a “back-up.” He loved the History channel and he loved YouTube. He would always say, “Did you know that you can watch anything you can think of on YouTube?” And we would all say, “Yes, David!” He worked hard all his life ~ first with a paper route as a kid, then working at Safeway in high school while playing on the varsity basketball squad, being a member of the National Honor Society and president of the CHS band, playing the clarinet. While in college he worked at various jobs, including working in the “salad department” at the Golden Corral. David was a good man ~ a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son and a good friend to many. He will be missed by all! His memorial service will be held at 12:30 pm, Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Floral Haven, 6500 S. 129th E. Ave., Broken Arrow, OK. A celebration of David’s life will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John 3:16 Mission, 506 N. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa, OK 74103.
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