David Michael Phelps

Before his passing on Thursday 4 September 2014, David Michael Phelps had forged a 65-year-old trail of laughter, generosity, compassion and wisdom. He was more than a role model to his family. He was a hero.

David is survived by his wife Kyung, and two children: Scott and Sarah Phelps.

Born on 31 Oct 1948 in a coal-mining area outside of Middlesboro, Kentucky, with 3 siblings Henry, Don, and Brenda. As a child loving to read, he allowed himself to become a self motivating force in attending college to further his education and career.

In 1963 he enlisted in the US Army as a Human Resource Manager, serving in Vietnam from 1966-1967 as a Specialist 5. While stationed at FT Knox in 1967 he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and placed in charge of Post Personnel Records at FT Knox KY. In 1987, he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in Presidio (San Francisco CA). He then opened a small business called “Whimseys” with his wife Kyung and stayed in the San Francisco area until 1990. He then moved with his family to Frankfurt, Germany while working in the 5th Corps HQ as Property Manager Liaison until 1993, then Washington DC 1995, Department of Defense in Korea 2001, until retiring from the National Guard Bureau in Washington summer of 2011.

David (referred to as Dave), during his worldly travel, must have watched the movie “Easy Rider” as he rode his motorcycle throughout the United States, leaving no corner untouched. Dave also enjoyed playing pool every chance he had, emulating Willy Mosconi. He continued his free-style living until the age of 35 when he married his wife Kyung. Whereupon, settling down, he became a very devoted husband and father. He continued to strive for betterment for his family and self. His free style living became family excursions, as they took many vacations to such places as Florida, Korea, Mexico, and beyond. His long and crazy journey with us may have come to an end, but his peaceful journey has just begun.

Arrangements under the direction of Murphy Falls Church Funeral Home, Falls Church, Virginia.