David Michael Demshur

David Michael Demshur, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home after a prolonged illness on Saturday morning, March 18, 2023.

Laureen, his beloved wife, was by his side, together as they have been for 46 years traveling the world and enjoying life.

Dave grew up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania from humble beginnings, setting the stage for his passion for sports, all things Penn State and leadership in the corporate world. Dave and Laureen met as he rolled his way through a Pennsylvania turnpike tollbooth where Laureen, by chance, was working. He often said paying that toll was the most expensive 35 cents that he would ever spend!

Dave graduated from Penn State in 1977 with a degree in Geology and started his career in the energy industry with Gulf Oil Corporation in their research center. After gaining international experience and working with Western Atlas International, Dave initiated and led a successful leveraged buyout of Core Lab from Western Atlas in 1994.

As Chairman, President and CEO of Core Lab, Dave and his team then led a successful IPO resulting in the ultimate growth and expansion of Core Lab into one of the world’s most successful energy industry service providers.

Dave and Laureen’s energy industry adventures enabled them to travel the world extensively, live in London and, over time, settle in Houston, Texas. Dave and Laureen also traveled for fun, often between Houston and Dana Point, California hosting parties at their beautiful homes. Many trips to all corners of the country, as well as, far flung locales across the globe were constantly planned and enjoyed.

Significantly, these trips always included family or close friends. Dave’s love of major sports events, golf, horse racing, wonders of the world, and the occasional Vegas visit were happily shared and appreciated with others.

Dave was an extremely intelligent, generous, witty, funny, mischievous person who was forever dedicated to Laureen and their cherished nieces and nephews. He also had profound respect for military service, veterans and the gift of education and was committed to those through many areas of significant support.

He will be always missed and forever loved by many….

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at Royal Oaks Country Club, 2910 Royal Oaks Club Drive, Houston, Texas 77082 on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from two until five o’clock in the afternoon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the Royal Oaks Employee Scholarship Foundation in Dave’s honor.  All donations can be made to: The Greater Houston Community Foundation

c/o Royal Oaks Country Club, 515 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77027.