Jasper lost one of its very best Tuesday, October 22, 2024. David Platt O’Mary was born on September 27, 1952 in Jasper and lived in Eldridge, Alabama until moving to Winfield as a young boy after the loss of his father. He grew up with little money but with a lot of heart. David graduated from Winfield High School and went on to our beloved Walker College and then to the University of Alabama where he graduated at the top of his class in corporate finance in 1974. He didn’t stop there. He went on to obtain a graduate degree from LSU’s Graduate School of Banking while simultaneously serving our country in the military. When David finished his schooling, he came back to the place he loved, Walker County, Alabama. David continued his military service in Walker County while serving eight more years in the Alabama National Guard with Company A 877th Heavy Combat Engineering Battalion. David’s business career began in the banking industry. He worked for the First National Bank of Jasper (now Synovus Bank) for thirty nine years, and during this time, Jasper grew with the help of the money he loaned first time business owners, who are now staples of our community, from tractor dealers to doctors’ offices. He had an uncanny ability to see things from every angle, to anticipate the effects of every action and inaction, to think three steps ahead, and most significantly, to treat people the way they ought to be treated.
David served our community. He served and volunteered for almost every charity in Walker County. Whether it be by raising money for the United Way, volunteering at the Salvation Army, serving on the board at the Beacon House, the Red Cross, Clean as a Whistle, the Board of Education, the Jasper Industrial Development Board, or helping animals with the Walker County Humane Society, many have unknowingly benefitted from his selflessness.
David loved the outdoors. He grew the biggest, juiciest, and the most delicious tomatoes I have ever seen or tasted. He knew how to catch the biggest and most fish. He knew where to scout for the biggest deer. Most importantly, he made the best pancakes at camp-outs in the mornings!
David never stopped serving our community. After retiring from banking, David did what most would have not. He ran for Mayor of the City of Jasper. Many asked him why. He would say, “That’s what I want to do.” He would not say why he wanted to do it, but it’s evident now. He had a servant’s heart. He did not do it for the money, that’s for sure. When David was elected as Mayor, he ran the City under the simple, but straightforward theme: “Is whether the act or decision to be made in the best interests of Jasper?” If so, he would get it done. He always did what he thought was right. Jasper saw unparalleled growth under David’s tenure as Mayor. As a result, people want to move to Jasper, not away from Jasper.
If the newspaper would allow this obituary to fill the whole edition, it could, but in closing, David would want to say “Thank You” to the people of Jasper and Walker County. Instead, we say “Thank You” to you, Mayor O’Mary.
David was predeceased by his parents, Marcus R. O’Mary, Sr. and Elenor P. O’Mary.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dee Baxter O’Mary, son, John David O’Mary, his brother, Dr. Marcus R. O’Mary, II (Lola), nephew, Dr. Wade O’Mary (Lisa), niece, Lori Stephens (Charles), and a host of other relatives. Jasper’s Finest will carry Mayor O’Mary to his final resting place.
Visitation will be held at Jasper’s First Baptist Church from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral beginning thereafter on Friday, October 25, 2024. Instead of flowers, please send donations to the Walker Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 171, Jasper, Alabama 35502, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611, the Walker County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1407, Jasper, Alabama 35502, or a charity of your choice.
