It was the longest procession of cars wending its way to a cemetery that I have ever seen. And it represented only a fraction of those who attended the funeral. He was held in high esteem.
David Oliver went home to heaven very suddenly on Feb 26, 2025. He was born David W. McCracken on June 26, 1944, in New Brunswick, Canada, and the early homecall of his father and his mother’s later remarriage to William Oliver saw him relocate to Bryn Mawr, PA, USA. Here, on April 16, 1961, he was reached and saved, thus beginning a life-long pursuit of knowing God and living to please Him.
While still teaching at a local high school, he spent summers laboring with Mr. Albert Ramsay in PEI. Later, he met his life-long partner, Melody. On January 29, 1966, they united in marriage and embarked on their extraordinary journey together. The family welcomed a son, Rob, in 1972, John Nobles in 1973, and Rebekah (Nesbitt) in 1974.
His zeal for souls led to his abandoning his secular employment and launching out in 1974 into the work of the Lord. One distinctive feature of his early gospel efforts was the mentoring of many young men in tent work in the Coxsackie, NY, area and in Dinwiddie County, VA. A number of those so mentored have gone on to be responsible brethren in many assemblies or followed his path into the work of the Lord.
His labors in the gospel and in the ministry of God’s Word took him across N. America, the UK, Malaysia and Singapore. He saw many saved as he heralded the message. One person mentioned that she had never heard such powerful preaching before, despite being raised among assemblies. He labored with many brethren, too numerous to mention, but especially with Gene Higgins.
He was a diligent student of God’s Word, and his study bore fruit in his ministry and involvement in Bible readings. There was always substance and freshness to whatever he provided to the believers. He was diligent in all that he did, as well as being very demanding of himself, never content unless he was giving the very best that he could, whether to a small assembly or a large conference. He maintained an extensive network of individuals whom he counseled and encouraged. He was marked by such openness that many considered him in the circle of their best friends. Whether studying God’s Word, preaching or establishing friendships, he was never shallow or superficial. He was always “all in.”
When circumstances changed, he continued to pour himself into serving wherever he could. In fellowship with his home assembly, Bryn Mawr, PA, he and Daniel Baker had several outreach efforts and were planning some home Bible studies to reach souls when he was called home. He also sought to help a neighboring assembly, Olney, in their weekly Bible readings. His wish was to cross the finish line in full stride. Characteristically, he had just returned from a conference in Deland, FL, when he was taken from us. Our automatic reaction is to speak of his untimely death. But he would correct me and remind me that God is always on time. He fulfilled his course and awaits his day of reward, in the presence of the Savior he loved.
