David M. Dayvault
January 18, 1927 ~ April 7, 2010
Dayvault, David M., 83, retired oil and gas landman and real estate broker made his transition on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Memorial service at Unity Church, 2160 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS, on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.. He was born on January 18, 1927 in Wilson, OK to Ralph and Sudie Ernst Dayvault. After serving in the Army during World War II he attended Oklahoma University where he graduated with a LLB degree before passing the Oklahoma Bar. Dave was also president of the local Chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He remained a loyal Sooner football fan for the rest of his life. In 1950 he married his wife of 59 years, Rachel Lou Wright. He was employed by Carter Oil and the couple moved to Wichita, KS. They also lived in Shawnee, OK, Oklahoma City, OK, and Seattle, WA before moving back to Wichita where Dave became Land Manager for Graham-Michaelis Drilling Co. in 1957. In 1973 he joined J. Fred Hambrights oil and gas lease acquisition company which was renamed Hambright Dayvault. During a twelve year retirement, Dave and Rachel traveled the globe and Dave played gin rummy daily at the Petroleum Club. He then came out of retirement and sold residential real estate for twelve years. He was President of the Petroleum Club of Wichita, President of the Wichita Association of Petroleum Landmen, and Treasurer of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. He is survived by his wife, Rachel; sons, David Jr. of Wichita; Mark of Aspen, CO; and daughter, Ann E. Carollo (Jim) of Prairie Village, KS; grandsons, Jim and Kenton Dayvault; Connor and Cameron Carollo. Memorials have been established at: Unity Church, 2160 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS 67208; and Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Dear Rachel and family, I was so sad and shocked to hear about Daves death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry you must go through this difficult time, but with the help of family and friends it can be done. Your friend, Michael Bayouth
I worked with Dave years ago when we were both realtors at Coldwell Banker Dining Beard.I was saddened to see that he had passed away & wish that I could attend his service but I am scheduled to work on Wed. I always had a lot of respect for Dave & he always spoke so highly of you, Rachel, & his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Pat Carney
I was sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, I know he will be missed. Dave gave me my start in the oil & gas business…what a leap of faith on his behalf. Dave gave me the opportunity to work the summer on a crew in Nebraska in order to earn enough money for the fall semster. The plan was to work 3 months and return to school, his interest in my education was foremost. At the end of the summer I knew my future was set, not in school but in the oil business. He allowed me to stay on even though I was a dumb 21 year old know it all. I didn’t realize at the time how much I learned from him but feel that I am a better man today because of the opportunity he gave me. The memories from those days only get better with age. I owe a great deal to Dave not only for providing me a start but in setting an example as well. I am very proud to tell others that I started with Hambright & Dayvault, to me they were the giant’s of the industry. Dave, Fred, Carson and others from the era may be condidered old school by todays standards but how I wish that there were more like them in the todays business, they were oil men. I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the memorial service on Tuesday. I have an out of town business trip that I cannot reschedule. Please know that in the back of mind I will always remember my association, my history and more importantly my friendship with Dave Dayvault. Sincerely, Tim Sanders