David Earhart has lived a life defined by dedication – to his country, his family, and his community. With a military career spanning over two decades, and nearly a decade more of public service to Okmulgee County, Earhart’s legacy speaks to resilience, hard work, and a deep sense of responsibility. As he prepares to retire from his position as Assistant Supervisor with Okmulgee County District 2 on Dec. 30, Earhart reflects on his journey with pride and hope for the future.
David Earhart grew up in Okmulgee, where he learned the value of perseverance and community from an early age. After high school, he waited a few years before deciding to enlist in the military, a decision that would shape the course of his life. “I went in during the ‘80s, starting with the National Guard,” he said, sharing how he committed himself first to the National Guard and later transitioned to active duty at Fort Riley, Kansas. His service brought him to two of the most significant American military operations of his time: Operation Desert Storm and later the Iraq War in 2004.
“Being deployed taught me so much about teamwork and responsibility,” Earhart reflected. “One of my most memorable roles was in charge of a direct support unit out of Eufaula. Our team handled the up-armoring of vehicles – a crucial task. We had some incredible welders on the team, and I learned a lot from them,” he added, speaking of the pride he took in his work overseas. Earhart’s 21-year military career, which included active duty, National Guard service, and two combat tours, instilled a strong work ethic and discipline that he carried forward into his civilian life.
When Earhart returned from Iraq, he made the transition to civilian life by joining the city’s workforce in various roles before ultimately moving to the county level. “I worked for the city for a while, including at the sewer plant. That was quite a change from the military, but I embraced it,” he said with a chuckle. “After that, I moved to Okmulgee County District 2, where I’ve been for nine years.” His time with the county has involved everything from hands-on equipment operation to his current role as Assistant Supervisor, where he helps oversee the district’s operations and crew.
Over the years, Earhart has worked under multiple county commissioners, each with their unique approach to leadership. “I’ve seen it all,” he admitted with a laugh. “The storms, the floods – we’ve had some wild weather in this area. The last storm we had was rough, with trees down everywhere and plenty of cleanup work.” Despite the challenges, he’s quick to acknowledge the camaraderie and cooperation among his team as vital to getting through those hard times. “I work with a great group of people. We’re like a family, supporting each other, no matter what the job throws at us.”
With his last official day fast approaching, Earhart is looking forward to the future. His retirement plans include completing his “dream home,” a project he began two years ago. “Building this house has been a labor of love,” he said. “I’ve been putting my skills to use, and I’m excited to see it finished.” The new home will be a place to spend more time with his wife, his son, who lives in Henrietta, and his two young granddaughters. “They’re the light of my life,” he said. “I’m looking forward to more time with family, now that I’ll have it.”
Earhart also has a deep sense of commitment to the community he’s leaving behind and shared some insights on his concerns for the future of District 2. Having previously run for Commissioner himself, he understands the complexities of the role and the pressures faced by his successor, Commissioner-elect Steve. “I wish Steve all the best,” Earhart said earnestly. “I want him to succeed because that means the county succeeds. But I also hope he understands the value of the people he’s working with – these guys have been here a long time and know the job inside and out.”
One issue Earhart touched upon is the potential turnover of employees with each change in leadership. “I think some of the guys are worried about changes, and that’s understandable,” he acknowledged. “When you have a group that’s knowledgeable and experienced, it’s essential to keep them around. I just hope Steve recognizes what he’s got and doesn’t rush to make big changes without considering what it could mean for the team and the community.”
Reflecting on his years of service, both military and civilian, Earhart underscored the importance of hard work and hands-on experience values he fears are sometimes overlooked today. “You know, these days, everyone wants a desk job, something they can do with a computer. But I tell you, there’s something to be said for manual labor. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding. I believe that one day, skills in the trades are going to be in even higher demand than college degrees.”
For Earhart, his retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. He leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience, and dedication. “I’ll miss it, but I’m ready,” he said with a smile. “It’s been a great run, and I’m thankful for all of it – the people, the challenges, and the work. Now, it’s time to focus on my family and my home, and that feels pretty good.”
As David Earhart steps away from his role at Okmulgee County District 2, he leaves an indelible mark on the community. For his family, friends, and colleagues, his departure is bittersweet. And for Okmulgee County, his story is a reminder of the enduring value of service, honor, and dedication.
