Carl David Reed

Carl David Reed, better known simply as David, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 12, 2025, in his hometown of Altus, Oklahoma — the same place where his big heart, quick wit, and musical gifts first took root.

David grew up in Altus surrounded by his 5 siblings, learning early on how to hold his own in a noisy, love-filled household. You could find him at band practice or practicing in the school play. After graduating from Altus High, David headed to the University of Oklahoma, where he proudly bled crimson and cream. Somewhere between football games and late-night gatherings with his Pike brothers, he built the sharp humor and charm that everyone would come to know him for.

Post-college, he made his way to sunny San Diego, where fate (and good timing) introduced him to the love of his life, Cindy. Together they raised three incredible kids — Olivia, Benton, and Carter — who were, without question, his proudest accomplishment. David loved being a dad more than anything.

Creative to his core, he was a gifted musician, artist, and writer — the kind of guy who could play a drum set, sketch a portrait, and then break down a mortgage-backed security without missing a beat. His career in mortgages wasn’t just a job; it was his stage. He authored eight books published by AMACOM, including Mortgage Confidential — the third in his acclaimed mortgage series — which sold over 10,000 copies in its first four weeks. His expertise and charisma led to television appearances on The Today Show, Fox & Friends, and CNN’s Open House, as well as features in The New York Times Business League, Parade Magazine, Real Estate Today, and countless other publications across the country. He proved that even finance, in the right hands, could be both enlightening and entertaining.

David leaves behind his children, Olivia, Benton, and Carter; his parents, Carl and Betty Reed; his sisters, Brenda Finney and Wendy Howard; and his brother, Paul Reed. He’s reunited in heaven with his baby brother, Philip and his baby sister, Tena.

He was funny, magnetic, endlessly creative, and made everyone around him feel loved. His passing leaves a hole that can’t be filled — but his laughter, stories, and songs will echo forever. Services are scheduled for 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at First Methodist Church Altus with Pastor Jim Brown officiating. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.