David John Karber, aged 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 23, 2026. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, kind disposition and caring and generous spirit.

David was born in Fairview, Oklahoma, on June 24, 1935. His family moved to Dinuba, CA, in 1943. He was raised in a Christian home and at age 12 he accepted Christ and was baptized. He attended Reedley College, and then Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas where he met his wife, Elaine Lepp, of Bakersfield, California. They both transferred to and graduated from Fresno State.

After teaching high school business in Fresno, David was hired as Business Manager and an instructor at Tabor College. While in Hillsboro, God blessed David and Elaine with two children, Gail and Timothy. With a desire to further his education, the family moved to Indiana, and David earned his doctorate at Indiana University in Higher Education Administration, which became his career.

In 1973, the family moved to Long Beach, California, when David became employed at California State University Dominguez Hills as Dean of Academic Resources. During his 34 years there, he served as Vice President for Administration/Finance, a professor, the department chair, and developed international graduate online degree programs; in his post-retirement he taught international officials and students. It was said of him, "Dave is unequivocally reliable, trustworthy and kind. When he speaks, the wise would listen. He possesses a work ethic that you thought had disappeared long ago in the workplace. All of this is embodied in a person with an incredible sense of humor." Serving as an administrator, teaching and mentoring students, as well as sharing the good news of salvation with them through his words and actions was his passion.

During his life, David was active in church by holding leadership positions, and serving in various capacities in many non-profit and professional organizations including being on boards at both Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University. Throughout David's life, other interests included singing in choirs and barbershop quartets, keeping up with the latest technology, sailing, fishing, raising orchids, traveling, hosting many friends, colleagues, visitors and relatives, researching genealogy, being involved with Karber reunions, relaxing in Kihei, Maui, and completing jigsaw puzzles.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Elaine Karber; daughter Gail and husband James Neufeld, Fresno; grandchildren Allison and husband Marc Gonzalez, Fresno; Ryan Neufeld and wife Stacey, Wichita KS; as well as two great grandchildren, Braylen and Makenna Neufeld. Also surviving are his sister, Luella Dick; his brother-in-law, Leo Franz; and his sister-in-law, Lois Funk.

He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Karber; parents Ben and Louise Karber; sisters Lillian Thiesen, Freda Karber, Pauline Kohr, Doris Harder, and Minnie Franz.

A graveside service will be held at the Reedley Cemetery Pavilion at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, and a Celebration of Life will be held at Butler Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tabor College at: www.tabor.edu