I just learned of David's passing today. I was in total shock. I didn't know what to say to the person who told me. I wish I had known before. To his beloved Carol, Stephen, and Helen, I can't express enough sorrow for your loss. As a fellow stamp world member, David's expertise was invaluable to me. He always took an interest in what I had to say or questions I may have had. Anyone in the philatelic family who knew him benefited from his extensive knowledge. I only wish I could have talked to him one more time.

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know David but have a library background just as he did. I learned of him by accident as I was searching for my own family information and the Calvery Cemetery plot. I am related to Jane (Owen) Giles through Clarence and Florence Owen.  Clarence L. (Gully) was my grandmother's brother Irene Owen Shocker. I am her granddaughter.  When the time is right could I have someone from your family email me? Again I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Families are so precious. My best wishes to you, your family, and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Joan Willenbrock
joanwillenbrock@gmail.com

I was so sorry to hear of David's passing.  We were for so many years campus colleagues, but also occasional stamp friends.  David of course seemed to know virtually everything about everything in the way of stamps and postal history.  But was most remarkable and memorable was the enthusiastic generosity with which he shared it all with the rest of us.  "Gladly would he learn and gladly teach." Farewell to a true scholar and friend.

Muriel, we are all so very sorry for the loss of your son. I remember your pride and love when we discussed David and the memories of your family times up-north. We are thinking of you.

David was a childhood friend and although we did not stay in touch he was often remembered in stories about Scouts. David is an Eagle Scout and I always admired him for staying in Scouting when the rest of us gave it up.  Condolences to Momma Straight.  I still put my feet on the rungs of the chair at the dining table and, this is the absolute truth, I think of you every time I do.  Love and peace to the entire Straight family on the passing of my friend David.

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of such a wonderful man.  I had the privilege of working under David while in library school and am a better librarian and person for it.  My thoughts go to his family.

David contributed so much to the library profession as a librarian and as an instructor to new librarians. His work is greatly appreciated, as was David. God grant peace to David's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I knew David for over 20 years, and I will miss him  He was always an advocate of fairness and unfailingly supported his friends and family. Goodbye, David.

My sincerest sympathies to David's family. David was most generous with his time and friendship in the hobby that we shared and loved. He will be greatly missed

My condolences go out to David's family and friends. He was taken from us way too soon. I've always enjoyed his expert articles, observations and insights. The world has lost a fine gentleman and philately has lost a true champion. May he rest in peace.

I worked with David at Washington University and his dedication to his patrons and staff and his dry sense of humor will be sorely missed. He was an inspiration to a young librarian.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Jane, 
We are so, so sorry to hear of the loss of David. There are no words to express the devastation of losing a brother. May you give yourself the gift of time to be with your sadness and find your way to other side of it. Much love to you and all your family.
Kelly and Bob

To David's family. He has a great heart and a great smile. I always enjoyed him at the Washington University Library. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed

I'm so very sorry to hear of David's passing, way too young. He was my boss in the A/V department at Olin, way back in 1979-82. We all had so much fun back then! I remember his son being born on my birthday, and David being so happy. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.

Dear Stephen -  We are so sorry to learn your Dad's passing.  Please accept our deepest sympathies.  Our thoughts and prayers are offered for him and your family.

"My heart goes out to the Straight Family.  I was very sad to hear about the passing of David, he was great friend and wonderful colleague to work so closely with at the university.  David will surely be missed.

Muriel and Family,  Thinking of you all at this time.  I am so sorry for your loss of David.  Although I did not know him well I had an occasion to meet him when he stopped by the Red Cross with Muriel  and was struck by his warm and welcoming personality.  Please know that  you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am here for you and hope that I can help you in any way that may be of comfort.

Carol and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of unbearable loss. My deep gratitude to you for the many years you shared David with all of us. Love you, Angie O'Gorman

Carol,

My heart goes out to you.   Your SLPL family is here for you whenever you need us.  We love you.

Shirley Cantrell-Jones
St. Louis Public Library

Dear Carol   On behalf of all of us, we are so sorry for the loss of David.  What a wonderful gift you both were to each other.  Although we didn't see you often, when we did, having David in the room was like having a gentle giant amongst us.  Will always remember his awesome Apple Pies and the way he looked at you.  With many healing prayers being said for you and David's family.  Mary Holloran and Family

There are certain constants which one comes to expect, like the people who consistently sit behind you in church.  When those constants, those touchpoints, suddenly are no longer there the void feels huge. David was always a tender, peace filled presence for our family. He made some fantabulous meals, humbly delivered to far North County, for our boys to devour during our time of need.  It is our hope to return to Carol a sliver of the loving kindness she and David have so generously displayed.  Holding all of David's loved ones in love and prayer.

I was fortunate to know David professionally as well as socially, he was truly a great guy, and married a wonderful person in Carol. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family. Paul and Kathy Bayless

Carol and family,
My heart goes out to you. I was privileged to get to know David over the last couple years and learned so much from him about philately and libraries.

Muriel, You and David's Family are in my thoughts and Prayers. My Deepest Sympathy goes out to all. Donna Hafer Mt. Pleasant, MI

Muriel and family my heart goes out to all of you.  May God be with you in your time of sorrow.  I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

David was a gift to me as a philatelist, for which I am so grateful.  He taught me so much.  But more I rejoice in the eternal life which is God's gift to him in Christ.  May you be able to sing alleluia through your tears.

Dear Carol,
My prayers are with you and your family. I remember having some lively conversations with Dave at our PTDL get togethers.

David was my first boss in library world, and a silent mentor for years in many gentle ways. I have always, and will continue to, think of him with respect and fondness. Mark and I send our heartfelt sympathies. Wendy Schlegel

Dear Carol:

May God be with you and all of David's family & friends during this difficult loss. My first conversation with David was when I called him about our need for a used card catalogs. He was so helpful---immediately likable. It is  sad to lose a good man who gave so much to the world. Please know many healing thoughts are winging their way to you.

Dear Carol, We were so saddened to hear of your loss.  David was a wonderful man and the two of you made a loving couple.  Our deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Horace and Martha Sneed

My deepest sympathy to David's family in this time of unexpected loss.  David was a friend to all us in the libraries.

It is hard to write this, because I am still surprised. I'm grateful to you, Carol, for eating us in on the last few days, allowing us to pray for David.  He was always kind and interested in our lives, always gentle. I was sooo glad the two of you were together. I am still grateful for that.  May the love you had for one another bring you much comfort.  It made the world a better place.  love, Sharon

Carol, I was so shocked to hear about David's death.  I'm sure his life was happier because you were in it.

Carol and family,
My prayers and sympathy are with you at this time. David made friends easily because he was a good listener and he shared whatever he could contribute. As a philatelist, he was a careful and knowledgable researcher. I will miss him.

David was not only my boss, he was a great friend and a very caring person who was there for me when I lost my daughter. I am deeply sadden for the lost of a great man and friend. Carol, Helen and Steven you all are in my prayers.

Dear Helen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. We remember you telling us about your father and celebrating his birthday with you in Washington. How nice that you got to spend this time with him. 
With our love & sympathy,
Denise & Annie

Dear Carol and family,
David was a wonderful person and a philatelic star. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sad at the loss of David.  I will remember him and Carol as a loving and committed couple who lightened the lives of all they touched.  Thanks for a good life.

Dear Carol: 
   My heart goes out to you at this time of such a terrible loss. Please accept my condolences. Rae Shepherd-Shlechter

Dear Carol, 
I am so sad to hear about David. He was such a wonderful man and he made you so happy. You -- and he -- will always be in my prayers.

Much love,

jan daley

I am quite saddened by this loss.  Many prayers and much positive energy are being sent to Carol.  We will miss David.

Sending my sincere condolences to Carol, Helen and Stephen on this tragic loss. I always enjoyed seeing David and carol when they came to visit Helen in Washington. My prayers and thoughts are with you and David's entire family.
Kate Williams

Carol,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Desmond (a sometime member of the Gay Men's bookclub)

Dear Helen and family,

   We were looking forward to someday meeting your father, David, in Washington.  But, alas, God had other plans for him. 
   Our deepest sympathy and love to you and your family.  We are thinking and praying for you during this sad time.

Sincerely,
Drew and Marie Tidwell

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss, and our loss. I'm still stunned. David was such a great guy. You both had such a great 'love story'. I'm sending you hugs and prayers. xxooxx

We are saddened by the loss of David and continue to pray for David and Carol as she mourns this loss.  They complimented each other beautifully and were perfect companions.  
Love, Terry, Kathy & Adam Hunn

Our family continues to pray for God's arms are welcoming David and comforting Carol and David's family.
We hold you in our hearts at this time.
Barb, Phil, Sam, and Nathaniel

David will be dearly missed! He was a kind neighbor who went out of his way to cook & bring us delicious meals.  He brought light to the world and love to Carol. Shine on!

David is one of the kindest people I know. He was always interested in what others were doing, always excited to talk about his children, clearly in love with Carol. The world is richer for him. We will miss him.

Our prayers & sympathy to Carol and all of David's family. You are greatly missed. We are so saddened by this sudden loss. Rest in eternal peace!

I didn't know David as a librarian, or as a philatelist.  I knew David as the father who did a good job raising the boy who became the man who is a good and loving husband to my daughter.  The Hurtekants are very sad for Carol, Stephen and Helen, and we send our love and prayers.

OBITUARY

David L. Straight

31 May, 1955 – 13 October, 2012

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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