David Leon Koehler

David Leon Koehler, 70, of Shawnee, peacefully passed away on August 9th, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

David was born on February 6, 1955, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was the middle of 3 children to Paul and Jessie Koehler. He obtained a degree in Criminal Justice and worked as the Director of Security at Saint Gregory’s University until his retirement. David was known to many as a jack of all trades. He was an avid car enthusiast and loved helping his children and grandchildren restore cars. He was most known for his caring personality and passion for his grandchildren’s activities. David was also the caretaker of Calvary Cemetery, a position he inherited from his father and has since passed on to his daughter and son-in-law.

David met his wife Trish in 1975. After one year of racing Trish back and forth from Shawnee to Tahlequah in his 1972 Trans Am, they were married on December 21, 1976. They shared 48 wonderful years together. During their time together, they raised 3 children, but David would tell you that he cared for each graduate of Saint Gregory’s like one of his own. He spent much of his retirement at baseball fields, soccer fields, band competitions, and dance recitals. He was loved not only by his children and grandchildren, but by their teammates and friends as well.

He is survived by his wife, Trish Koehler as well as their children, Jennifer (Mark) Drummond, Michael (Jennifer) Koehler, and Misty (Mike) Brown. He is also survived by their grandchildren, Kylee (Dylan) King; Michael (Kilee) Brown; Kadyn, Madison and Kason Drummond; Easton, Isaac and Evelyn Koehler; and great-grandchildren Hoyt, Bennett, Graham and Sybil King; and Arya Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Jessie Koehler, his sisters Carolann (Richard) Speers and Phyllis (David) Shatto, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A rosary wake service will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 12th at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Paul Spears, Dylan King, Michael Brown, Clif Harden, Justin Pittman, and John Hannifan.