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David Mitsuru Murata, aged 96, passed peacefully on July 19, 2026, in Kula. Born on March 25, 1930 in Holualoa, Kona.
David graduated from Konawaena High School and pursued higher education at Dakota Wesleyan University, Western Michigan College and the University of Hawaii.
David devoted most of his life teaching and caring for others through his work in occupational therapy and public health. He taught at the first physical and occupational therapy school in Japan in the 60's, worked with psychiatric patients at the Hawaii State Hospital in the 70's, and retired as the director of Ka Lima O Maui in 1979.
David was a man of strong faith and his life's calling was helping others through advocacy. He helped with the resettlement of Indochinese refugees to Maui in the 1980's, helped Micronesians settle on Maui and establish their own ministries within the United Church of Christ churches, helped with the creation of the Maui Adult Day Care Center and volunteered with the Hawaii Community Foundation.
David was a master gardener and was happiest when he could share the fruits and vegetables he grew at his home. He was also an avid tennis player, spending over 75 years on the tennis courts. He finally hung up his racket at 95 but found gateball as his replacement sport.
David is survived by his daughters, Ruth Murata-Eisen (Steve) and Jody Singsank (Patrick); daughter-in-law, Mieko Murata; his grandchildren, Kristen Leavenworth, Mika Crowe, Landon Eisen, Lauralei Singsank, Makoto and Maya Murata; and his brother, Arthur Murata. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; daughter, Jeanne Sera; son, Michael Murata; and his siblings, Tomoe Arai, Herbert Murata, Roy Murata, Rose Uriyu and Alice Painter.
His life will be celebrated at Iao United Church of Christ (UCC) on August 29, 2026 at 10am, preceded by a viewing at 9am. In lieu of flowers or koden, the family requests that monetary donations be directed to Iao UCC, continuing David's legacy of faith and community support.