Gary David Casper

G David Casper, born September 27, 1946 in Oklahoma City and passed from this life December 19, 2014. David was raised in Del City, Oklahoma and graduated from Del City High School in 1964. He received his medical doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1972; continued with his Phoenix Residency Program in Orthopaedic Surgery completed in 1977. He was certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and was a member of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. After residency, he moved back to his home state to practice general orthopaedics in south Oklahoma City. Always open to new ideas, he was invited to investigate the use of lasers in spinal surgery. David's innate curiosity and passion led to his cutting edge technology and the development of a unique technique using a side firing laser in spinal surgery. He co-authored multiple journal articles and taught the technique, literally around the world, from 1993 until his surgery retirement in 2004. After retirement from surgical practice, David pursued another passion in the area of pain management and addiction medicine and helped many recover from opiate addiction. David has also served as Chairman of the Board of Oklahoma City Community College; Chairman of the Board of Medical Licensure & Supervision; Associate Director of the Oklahoma Health Professionals Program; President of several orthopaedic societies. He shared a long bond with the Friends of Bill W and rarely missed an opportunity to help a friend in need. He is Forever Sober. Golf was his passion and he played all over the world, but he most enjoyed his games with his buddies at Twin Hills. David was a devoted Father and Husband, but especially, his favorite title was 'Papa.' He is predeceased by his Parents, Arbutus Wright Casper and Pete Casper, MD, Brother Chris Casper, and his middle Son, Drew Casper. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Lou Casper; two children: Son, Matt Casper, and Daughter, Ginger Maxted Combs, JD and her husband Kevin Combs, JD; grandchildren, Wesley, Wiley and Eleanor Maxted, Josephine and David Casper of Tulsa, and their Mother, Susan Wynkoop Casper, RN. He is survived by sister, Judy Casper Johnson, RN and her husband John Johnson, JD, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend our gratitude to those who provided comfort and care in his final weeks battling the pain of cancer. A memorial service will be held at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club, 3401 NE 36, Oklahoma City OK 73121 on Sunday January 4, 2015 at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to: Achieving Classen Excellence Foundation, 614 NW 14, Oklahoma City OK 73103 (Dedicated to the sustainable improvement of Classen School of Advanced Studies) The Western Club Foundation, 5207 N Western Avenue, Oklahoma City OK 73118