David Douglas Carroll

David Douglas Carroll (Dave), 61, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, passed away on November 3, 2026, after two and a half years with glioblastoma. He was born on October 4, 1965, in Canton, Ohio.

Dave had a passion for precise words, a talent for caring for people, and a deep love for his wife, Margaret. He cherished Margaret and often said he was sorry for his children because they could never be as happy as he was. Dave was content with a quiet life, enjoying his work of developing systems, as well as family dinners with his children and treasured grandchildren. He loved doing “dangerous things” with his two grandsons (which involved eating Western-themed dark chocolate while looking at his Western masterpiece—his windmill) and telling his two granddaughters they were absolutely perfect. Dave made people feel valued, even in small interactions, and was blessed to see the fruit of that in his final years. Margaret and Dave together hosted many college Bible studies in their home, setting an example of hospitality for their children and all who enjoyed their company.

As an elder in the Stillwater Reformed Presbyterian Church, Dave took seriously his responsibility to shepherd the church and build her up through teaching. He enjoyed leading classes on meditation and contentment that were steeped in the writings of the 17th-century Puritans. Dave showed that his study was not merely academic, as he lived out what he taught throughout his life and final days. He often repeated over the last weeks of his life that he was overwhelmed with the goodness of God and that it was hard to describe how happy he was.

Dave lived his life backwards, with a view of heaven. One of his final personal studies was on angels because, as he said, they would soon be his new neighbors. He taught us all that life is short but also sweet. The most important truth to Dave was that he was saved by Jesus Christ, who died for him and loves him deeply.

Dave is survived by his wife, Margaret Carroll; his children, Bridget Rizama (Josiah), William H. Carroll (Isabelle), Nathan Carroll, and Emily Carroll; and his grandchildren, Owen, Beckett, and Lucy Carroll, and Zoe Rizama. He is also survived by his mother, Barbara Carroll; his father, Joseph Carroll; his brothers, Gregory, Brian, and William R. Carroll; and his sister, Stephanie Carroll.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Countryside Church, 2124 S. Western Road, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Graveside services will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, 1123 E. 6th Avenue, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to return to Countryside Church for lunch following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stillwater Life Services and Stillwater Reformed Presbyterian Church.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6–8

“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom…And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:12, 17