David Harold Knippers, 86, was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 9, 1926. He went to be with his Lord on April 3, 2013 after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. C.C. Knippers and Dona Lockwood; brothers, Cecil (Eloise), Ottis (Opal), Shural (Johnnie Carolyn), Raymond, Aussie Knippers, and Raymond (Sarah)Parker; and sisters, Dorothy (Thurman) Coburn and Lore Lee (Bill) Dunkin. Growing up, Harold was quite a musician, playing the guitar, piano and trombone as well as singing with his siblings in trios and quartets while his father traveled as an evangelist. Upon graduation from high school in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, Harold joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was stationed in the South Pacific area. Harold married Juanita McPherson on December 26, 1947, residing in Bethany, Oklahoma until 1950. They moved to Lawrenceburg until 1965 when they returned to Bethany. While in Lawrenceburg, Harold was instrumental in starting the Grace Church of the Nazarene, where he served as lay pastor during the week with Trevecca Nazarene University students coming on Sunday's to preach. He and Juanita were responsible for the music at Grace Church. Harold graduated from Bethany-Peniel College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He also graduated from Peabody University (now Vanderbilt University) with a Master's in Education, then received the 18 hour principal's certification from Vanderbilt. He had Tennessee certifications for elementary, high school principal plus school superintendent and was principal at Ingram Sowell Elementary School in Lawrenceburg. Upon moving back to Bethany, Harold taught in the Putnam City School system until he became the first principal of Lake Park Elementary School. He really enjoyed being an educator and always supported Trevecca Nazarene University and Southern Nazarene University with frequent donations. He always tipped waitresses generously because "they might be going to school and need some extra money." Harold is survived by his wife, Juanita, of Bethany; daughter, Beverly Stroud and son-in-law, Rev. Dan Stroud, of Oklahoma City; and many nieces and nephews. Viewing with family present will be Thursday, 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Services will be Friday, April 5, 2:00pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. Funeral Service Friday, April 5, 2013 02:00 PM Bethany First Church of the Nazarene 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008