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David William Oliver, of Bryn Mawr, PA, went unexpectedly from his earthly home to his heavenly one on February 26, 2025, at age 80. His desire, expressed especially in recent years, was to cross the finish line running, serving his Lord and Savior until his last day on earth. God granted him that desire. The firstborn son of Robert and Elizabeth (Linden) McCracken, David arrived on June 26,1944 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Following his young father’s passing, David’s mother relocated to Wayne, PA with her two young sons when she married William J. Oliver, and together, they continued to spiritually guide and care for David and his brother, Alan. On April 16, 1961, concerned about his sin and his destiny in eternity, David understood through the words of Isaiah 53:6 that he could be forgiven of his sin and sure of Heaven because his sin was laid on the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned - every one - to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity (sin) of us all.” Is. 53:6 After a family move to Richmond, VA, David met Melody Holder, who was to quickly become the melody of his heart and his beloved and perfectly suited lifelong partner in service to the Lord. They married on January 29, 1966 and settled in the Bryn Mawr area, where he finished college and worked at John Wanamaker’s, assisting customers and modeling clothing in the men’s department. He taught mathematics at Upper Merion High School until 1974, when he devoted his full time to his life’s passion- working in the spread of the gospel of God’s saving grace and the teaching Bible truth, in fellowship with the believers of the Bryn Mawr Gospel Hall. John Nobles joined the family in 1973, and Rob and Rebekah were born in 1972 and 1974. David and Melody balanced a full schedule of travel and service while raising their family. Their deep love for the Lord, for their family and for others made their home a loving and stable place to grow up. For David, if he met you, you were a friend, and if a friend, then you felt like family. He took a deep personal interest in others- as quick in conversation with a smile, a mischievous look in his eye and a teasing remark as with an insightful and personalized question, reflective of his thoughtful and genuine care. He loved to sing, and his strong and steady voice was often heard leading congregational singing, and singing in a home with family and friends around a piano, which he played beautifully. His service was characterized by passion, humility, selflessness and determination. No task or need was too small or too great a match for both his willingness and the need to be “done right’, and his hours needed more than 60 minutes to complete it all. A gifted writer, he authored numerous biblical articles, devotionals, poems, hymns and books, and served for a time as editor of Truth and Tidings magazine. He was a diligent, lifelong student of the Bible, and his knowledge and wisdom were a blessing to many. Both on the platform and in personal visits, he pointed many souls to the only Savior of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ, and encouraged others in their faith. His fervor to live for the Lord was contagious, and profoundly influenced the lives and faith of those around him. A consummate teacher and a skilled communicator, his preaching was fervent, compelling, genuine and deeply rooted in his full hearted commitment to what he referred to as the unswerving truth of the Bible - the Word of his God. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Melody, and family, Rob and Becky Oliver, Chloe, Josh and Savannah Oliver, Luke and Lauren Bartram; John and Rebekah, Moriah, David and Jacob Nesbitt; John and Maggie, Eiizabeth and Rachel Nobles, Jimmy and Deborah Rauseo and Esther, Joey, Westin and Lily Hamblin; his brother, Alan, and many beloved brothers and sisters in law, extended family and friends. A memorial service to honor him and to honor his Lord and Savior will be held, Lord willing, at the Ardmore United Methodist Church (Ardmore, PA) on Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 am with a visitation beforehand from 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the George Washington Memorial Park (Plymouth Meeting), and a luncheon nearby at the Presidential Event Center (Norristown). “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 Contributions in David’s honor can be made to Truth and Tidings Gospel Trust for the work of the Lord. His funeral will be livestreamed at Roboliver.net/live

Tributes

David W. Oliver

June 26, 1944 - February 26, 2025