of Lamar, AR
February 11, 1942 - August 20, 2025
David Charles Frantz, 83, a resident of Lamar, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home. He was born on February 11, 1942, to Samuel and Verna (Freeling) Frantz in West Winfield, Pennsylvania.
David was nothing short of an amazing man. Most knew him as Dave, and a select few knew him as Big Dave, Steeler Dave, or Big D. He retired from Walmart D.C. and most knew him there as Dad. If you spent 5 minutes or more with him you knew he was the biggest Steelers fan, and he loved to tell jokes. His smile, laugh and personality were infectious. Growing up all the nieces and nephews claimed him as their favorite. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were fond of him too. He bribed them all with candy and the change in his pocket that he always managed to have. He was a regular Casanova with the ladies, and that paired well with the love he had for his Cadillac. He was a long-time patron of Friendly's Tavern and you could always catch him with his buddies hanging out at Porky's in Scranton. David had lots of family and friends from Pennsylvania, California, and Arkansas and he still never managed to meet a stranger. He had the biggest heart and never failed to light up a room when he walked in.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Verna Frantz; one brother, Ronald Frantz; and three sisters, Evelyn Cauldwell, Peggy Frantz, and Margarette Frantz.
Those who are left to cherish the memories of David are his children: one son, David Allen Frantz; two daughters, Shannon Barkley-Frantz (David Noyes) and Tara Frantz (Derrick Partin); ten grandchildren, Crystal, Daniel, Keaton, Rhayven, and Rhianna Frantz, Ashley Arredondo-Smith, Tyler Turner, Erin, John, and Summer Newberry; 15 great grandchildren; former longtime spouse, Wanda Frantz; and a brother, Herb Frantz; along with many more family and friends.
Memorial Services to be held at Second Baptist Church on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, his ashes will be laid to rest at Patterson Springs Cemetery, Oark, Arkansas.
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6 Condolence(s)
Rachelle Booth
Sunday, September 7, 2025
So sorry for your loss. May God provide you all with his love, comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the many wonderful memories you have sustain you until the day you can be together once again. All our love, Rachelle Booth and family.
Shawn Pedersen
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Truly greatfull for the memories. Dave was definitely one of a kind and will surely be missed. To this day, never watch a Steelers game without him crossing my mind. See you on the flip side Big Dave, keep the beer cold.
maria lima
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dave and Wanda along with Lil Dave, Shannon, and Tara were a big part of my life growing up in California, Our Parents and All 6 of us Rondinelli Children considered them Family, along with My Uncle John, Aunt Louise and My 6 Vanderhoff Cousins, I remember the day they left California and we didn't know when we would see them again, You're All in Our prayers at this most difficult time, May you Rest in Peace Big Dave, and Sending the Family All our Love and Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Buzz and Vicki Rondinelli
Thursday, August 28, 2025
We will always remember the great times we had with Big D, when it was at my Dads house, or later at ours. He even lived with us for a while when he first came back to work at Esco. I will so miss him calling me and calling me a name I won't say on here. Rest Easy Buddy and prayers to Wanda, Lil Dave, Shannon and Tara. God Bless
Linda S Tate
Thursday, August 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers from our family. May the Lord give you peace. Love, Malcolm and Linda Tate and family.
Carolyn Meister
Thursday, August 28, 2025
So sorry for the family's loss! Dave was a great friend and a wonderful person we will miss him and we will forever hold many great times and memories together.