David William Ingram

David William Ingram (age 82) of Choctaw , Oklahoma, passed peacefully into eternal life, surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 28, 2026. David was born on July 18, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the first and only son of Ruth Ellen and William Albert (Joe) Ingram. The family lived in Sulphur, Oklahoma for a short time following WWII, and then moved to Nicoma Park, Oklahoma, where David attended school and graduated from Star Spencer High Schol in 1961.

On August 24, 1962, David was wed to the love of his life, Carol Lee Cochrane, and they resided in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where David owned and operated his own Barbershop until 1964. The couple then lived in Spencer until David was drafted in 1966 and served in the United States Army until 1968. They then purchased land in Choctaw, OK and relocated for the final time in 1970 to raise their family.

Both David and Carol went to work at Tinker Air Force Base in 1969, and both continued to work there in various capacities. David retired as a Branch Chief in Plant Management in the year 1999.

Retirement was a true joy for David, and he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Carol and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially cherished time spent in the great outdoors with his family and dearest friends hunting, fishing, and appreciating all of the wonder and beauty of God’s creation.

David was a master mechanic, builder, and welder, and was oft heard to say (with a sly grin on his face) that he could “fix anything but the crack-of-dawn and a broken heart”. He had a great sense of humor, never took himself too seriously, and loved to laugh and tease with his loved ones—a most endearing and excellent part of his personality. On the other hand, he was never too busy to listen to someone or to help a friend in need. To David, the word “friend” really meant a deep bond and connection with someone, and he often stressed to his children that calling someone a friend was a serious commitment that meant you would always be there to help—no-matter-what. He lived by that rule himself, and encouraged all of his children to do the same.

David is survived by his loving wife, Carol, with whom he shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter, Kara Tulipana, and her husband, Kevin Tulipana, along with their eight children: Landon Tulipana, Audra Hilger and her husband David Hilger, George Tulipana, Joy Tulipana, Maria Tulipana, Cecilia Tulipana, Monica Tulipana, and Michael Tulipana. As well as great-granddaughters, Evelyn and Adriana Hilger.

Also carrying on the Ingram family name is David's only son, Eric Ingram, and his wife, Elisabeth Ingram, along with their sons, Sasha Ingram and his wife Deborah and Zhenya Ingram. Sasha and his wife have blessed the family with David's great-grandchildren: Felicity, Ivan, and Elsie Ingram.

David is also survived by his brother-in-law Ed Braswell, his youngest daughter, Lisa (Ingram) Hays, and her husband, Jeff Hays, along with their sons, Easton Hays and his intended Sepideh Faramarzi; Sawyer Hays, his partner, Caitlin Moore, and their son, Colton McKay; and Joey and Maddie Hay, and numerous beloved extended family members (you know who you are!).

David was preceded in death by his only sibling, his sister, Jan Braswell as well as his parents, Joe and Ruth Ingram and numerous members of his extended family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest a donation to any charity or individual of your choice. Thank you for helping us to celebrate the life of Carol’s beloved husband and the best Dad and Papa the world has ever known. We appreciate all of your prayers and well wishes and are so thankful that each of you have chosen to celebrate his beautiful life and legacy alongside us. May God bless each of you for all of your kindness and support and the love you have shown to us all.