David Warren Carraway

Born on September 5, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, David grew up in Virginia and Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. From an early age, he demonstrated the discipline, intellect, and determination that would define his life. While enlisted in the United States Army, he attended the United States Military Academy Preparatory School and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

On June 5, 1968, he married Patricia Leska, beginning a devoted partnership that endured throughout her life. David served his country with honor and distinction for 32 years in the United States Army, retiring in 1992 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served a combat tour in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, where he earned the Silver Star for his valor and leadership.

Throughout his military career, David was stationed in numerous locations, including Alaska; Frankfurt, Germany; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also had the privilege of teaching at West Point, shaping the next generation of Army leaders with the same high standards he lived by.

After retiring from active duty, David and Patricia moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he continued serving the Army as an Environmental and Safety professional contractor. He also taught at Temple University earlier in his career and later at two colleges in Savannah, sharing his love of learning and his meticulous attention to detail with countless students.

In 2018, David moved to Florida to be closer to his daughters and their families. In Bonita Springs, he volunteered at Spring Creek Elementary, continuing his lifelong commitment to service and mentorship.

David had a deep passion for military history and an expansive knowledge of countless subjects. His two vanities, as he would proudly admit, were his mustache and his vocabulary. If you asked David what time it was, he would not simply tell you the hour — he would explain how the watch was made. His attention to detail and his joy in sharing knowledge were hallmarks of his character. He was a man who believed understanding mattered, precision mattered, and service mattered.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Leska Carraway, and his parents, Warren and Ethel Carraway.

He is survived by his daughters, Allison (Carraway) Manulak and her husband, Toby Manulak, and Annie (Carraway) Benolkin and her husband, Matthew Benolkin. He was a proud grandfather to Megan Manulak Thompson, Toby Manulak, Jr., and Charlie Benolkin. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Carraway, and his sisters, Becky Crisman and Cathy Carraway.

David was loved by all who knew him. His legacy of service, intellect, discipline, and devotion to family will endure in the lives of those he mentored, taught, and loved.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Hodges Life Celebration Center, located at 26051 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, on February 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.