David Randolph Armstrong was born November 14, 1958. He went home to his eternal reward October 12, 2024. He was born to Robert George Armstrong and Hazel Carol Armstrong (Ervin) in Coffeyville, Kansas where he spent most of his adolescence in Pryor, Oklahoma.  Growing up,  he loved spending time with his cousins and with his best friend, Grant Bendabout. It was because of this friendship he would be introduced to Elisa Harris and they eventually wed. The couple were married for 28 years and have two children, Derik and Emily Armstrong. It was shortly after David and Elisa married that David attended a revival at a church in Sheridan, Arkansas where he was radically saved by the power of Jesus Christ. 

David started his career as a pipe-fitter by briefly moving to south Texas for training; he continued to work in that trade for the majority of his adult life. He was very proud of his strong work-ethic and skills. He became a certified welding instructor and was a member of the local union (706) in ElDorado , Arkansas. 

Although David moved many places throughout his life with his family, his heart was in Oklahoma. He was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan and while he also rooted for the Arkansas Razorbacks, he reviled any sports team from Texas. He found joy in the outdoors as a fisherman. His most famous catch was a 45 pound catfish on a rod and reel with a 7 pound test line. He enjoyed cooking for others, and became very proficient at Cajun cuisine, smoking meats, and grilling. He was the self-proclaimed, “Grill Master”. He was also an avid reader, and a big fan of books by John Grisham, Lee Childs, and Tom Clancy. He loved sixties rock and roll music.  He was also very sentimental towards certain aspects of his personal history like: towns he lived in, places he had special memories of, and he would always reminisce about what he did or experienced with anyone who would listen.

David was always active in the local church for most of his adult life. He served on worship teams, led Bible studies, and taught Children’s Church regularly throughout his life. One of his most notable ministry endeavors was when he went to work at Renewal Ranch. He began his journey at Renewal Ranch as a participant, and once he began to experience victory over his challenges, he was entrusted to lead and mentor others in their journey. He would travel on a weekly basis to different churches to share his testimony, and spent many hours crying with, praying for, teaching, and mentoring other men to find hope and restoration in Christ.

David loved his family. As the youngest of four children, and the only male Armstrong to carry on the family surname, he was favored by many in his family. He thought his sisters were the best thing on the planet, and he would fight for them; he was present for them during various trials life brought. He was a dedicated and loving son who was always willing to help his family . He loved his mother very much. He would visit as often as he could because they had a very special relationship, and he cared for her deeply. He loved his extended family and thought of many of his cousins and in-laws as brothers and sisters.

He was an incredible father to his two children. He was deeply passionate and committed to his children no matter what. He had a deep core value to provide for his family, and found much of his identity in being able to take care of his family and be there for them. He was the type of dad who would get down on his kids’ level to play with them and share in their interests. He was an amazing grandfather to his four grandchildren. His jokes were awful, and he knew it, but that just encouraged him to keep telling them even more. He loved hearing his grandchildren groan at his puns; he simply loved just spending time with them.

Beyond the 28 years of marriage, his wife and mother of his two children remained best friends.  Their most treasured time together was experienced when the entire family could be together. 

David leaves a legacy that echoes into eternity. His life was lived for the glory of God, and he impacted so many lives of others with the Gospel. He believed in grace, and knew grace was messy at times, but he didn’t believe that anyone was too far from the grace of God, including himself. He has been a vessel in the hands of the Master Potter who has used David’s life to show how the power of God can break chains, end generational cycles of addiction, and bring about healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation to anyone. No matter who they are, what they’ve done, or where they’ve been.

David was preceded in death by his father George Armstrong, mother Carol Ervin, and sister Roberta Holmes Oldaker. He is survived by his sister Linda Cunningham, sister Barbara Schnieder, son Derik Armstrong, daughter-in- law Hollie Armstrong, daughter Emily Armstrong, grandson Josiah Armstrong, granddaughter Abbigail Armstrong, granddaughter Leah Armstrong, and grandson Asher Armstrong-Draper. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children who knew and loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Renewal Ranch with “David Armstrong” in the memo and the funds are intended to go towards an annual memorial scholarship for future residents of Renewal Ranch.

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