Rev. David Bentley Rose

Rev. David Bentley Rose, a beloved and dedicated servant of the Lord, passed away on January 24, 2026, in Oklahoma City at the age of 75. Born on April 27, 1950, David led a life that embodied kindness, humor, and an unwavering commitment to his faith and community.

An ordained elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, David served numerous churches throughout his ministry, including Barnsdall, Tulsa Harvard Avenue, Yukon First, Oklahoma City Hillcrest, Wheatland, Shawnee Trinity, and his particularly cherished community at Oklahoma City Epworth United Methodist Church. In his roles, he not only preached the Gospel but also lived it through acts of service and compassion.

David’s education was a testament to his dedication. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Applied Sciences from Oklahoma State University where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity before pursuing a Master's in Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. These academic achievements laid a strong foundation for his lifelong mission of advocating for social justice and supporting marginalized individuals and causes.

Those who knew David remember him for his fantastic sense of humor. A true jokester at heart, he often infused joy into his surroundings by doing things like playfully placing a dinosaur or UFO next to the shepherds in the Nativity Scene at his church home of Mosaic Community Church, capturing the spirit of fun and creativity that he brought to his ministry. His ability to make everyone feel included, even those who were strangers, showcased the warmth and love that defined his character.

David was a passionate lover of the arts, particularly musical theater. He derived immense joy from productions like "Les Miserables" (often stating that the music from that show "never gets old") as well as an array of music and movie musicals. His interests extended beyond performance; he shared a deep appreciation for literature, especially historical texts and Bible commentaries, which he enthusiastically discussed with friends.

Travel was another of David's great loves, and he relished the adventures he took with his wife of 38 years, Anna-Faye. Together, they created lasting memories through numerous trips and cruises to places like the Danube River and the Rhine River. David’s appreciation for life also encompassed his fondness for animals, especially beagles, and he was known for sharing his home with many cherished pets.

In his retirement, David continued to serve his community through volunteer work at Skyline and the Manos Juntos Free Clinic, contributing immensely to the health and well-being of those in need.

David is survived by his loving wife, Anna-Faye Rose; his brother, Dayton Morrison Rose; his sister, Jenny Cody; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and close friends, Lacy Kelly and Matthew Fong. He now joins his late mother, Margaret Eloise Parks, and father, Dr. Dayton Morrison Rose, in eternal rest.

Rev. David Bentley Rose leaves behind a rich legacy of laughter, faith, and love, touching the lives of countless individuals during his time on Earth. He will be remembered for his profound impact on his community and his dedication to serving others.

A memorial service honoring the life of Rev. David Bentley Rose will take place on Saturday, January 31, at 1:00 P.M. at Mosaic Community Church, 3131 NW 50th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112. The service will also be live streamed on YouTube and at https://www.facebook.com/mosaicokc for those who can not attend in person.  

Following the service, you are invited to attend a reception in the Fellowship Hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mosaic Community Church or at mosaicokc.org.