David R. Hennessy

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of David Russell Hennessy on March 11, 2026. David was most lovingly known as Dad and Papaw, but best known as one of the most talented and hard-working criminal defense attorneys in Indiana.

David was the third of five children born to Lou and Gerald Hennessy on August 29, 1954 in Evansville, Indiana. He attended Christ the King grade school and Memorial High School where he began his collection of life-long friends. He played football and wrestled, was a national merit finalist, and won the Rotary Club’s speech contest. During these formative years, David developed a strong desire to become a lawyer dedicated to promoting fairness in the justice system following a heated debate with an Evansville police officer one night.

David dreamed of attending the University of Notre Dame. He worked two full time jobs in the summers to fill the gap between scholarships and the half tuition his father provided. Notre Dame was the experience he dreamed of, including the opportunity to study abroad in Innsbruck, Austria. While at ND, he was heavily influenced by Father Hesburgh and collected more brilliant, funny, hardworking, compassionate, loyal, and loving friends, and a beloved dog, Snowby.

Jerry and Lou proudly witnessed David’s graduation from Notre Dame and watched as he started his career in Detroit. David put his business degree to work at Arvin Industries working with his brother-in-law’s father, Joe Atkins. The yearn to fight for justice and attend law school was still there, however. He left Arvin and embarked on one last adventure, driving to San Francisco with a close friend from Notre Dame. There, he spent the summer before law school working in a gas station during the gas shortage of 1979. David regaled his friends and family with stories of policing the customers and breaking up fights.

David attended Indiana University Indianapolis School of Law. After working for Nile Stanton and then Rudy Steckler, David struck out on his own with a $3,000 loan using his 1970 red Pinto as collateral. He also worked as a part time public defender, starting in the Municipal Courts, quickly moving on to the big time in what was then simply referred to as the “Criminal Courts.”

Along the way, David butted heads with judges, prosecutors, police officers, probation officers and anyone or anything he felt was standing in the way of fairness to his clients. When he was in the presence of a jury, there was no doubt who owned the room. His genius was a mix of his smarts and his preparation. Using those traits, he earned a reputation as one of the most formidable defense attorneys in the state.

David mentored countless other attorneys, teaching them the ropes and to be brave in the face of systemic adversity. Just as important, he genuinely cared about his clients and their families, often praying with them, lecturing them about how they could best make use of their hard-won freedom, or adjust to the hardships ahead. He fought against a perverse system of public defender representation in which the attorneys were hired by the judges before whom they argued. That system no longer exists. In 1984, he joined the Board of Directors of the Indiana Public Defender Counsel, serving for thirty-nine years, including four terms as chair. He worked tirelessly to improve the skills and resources available to public defenders across the state. Over the years, David donated his time and knowledge to the future generation of public defenders by participating in trainings and developing materials to assist them.

In 1983 David met his soul mate, Vickie Yaser, a law student working as a public defender intern. They married in 1987 and raised two beautiful daughters, Emily and Kathleen. His work was often discussed around the dinner table, where the girls served as mock jurors and learned the importance of making good decisions, working hard, and having fun.

David was a member of the Indy ND Club, serving as president for a time and performing works of service along the way. He loved Notre Dame and succeeded in passing on that love to Emily, a 2010 graduate. His love for the law was passed on to Kathleen, who practices civil rights and criminal defense in Chicago, perpetuating his zeal for standing up for others.

David was happiest when with his grandchildren: Everett, Tessa, and Marcus Debelak, and Andre and Julian Vinh. He was in high demand as a pirate, boat captain, book reader, card player, and fishing tutor, and loved sharing music with the twins.

David is survived by his loving wife Vickie and daughters Emily (Brandon) Debelak and Kathleen (Rashad Vinh) Hennessy; his adoring grandchildren; his patient and steadfast sisters, Lynn (Mike) Atkins and Barbara (Mike) Weber; partner in crime, brother Jerry (Alyson) Hennessy; sixteen nieces and nephews; and an extended list of cousins he cared for deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents and inspirational brother Michael (Betsy) Hennessy. David led an incredibly full and impactful life and left his mark on the world. His absence will leave a void and his friends and family will miss him immensely. If you ever find yourself at the Grotto at Notre Dame, please light a candle in David’s memory.

Leppert Mortuary at 740 E. 86th Street in Indianapolis has been entrusted with David’s arrangements. Visitation will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. A service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 2 to 6 p.m. The family is looking forward to friends sharing stories on both days.

We earnestly request that in lieu of flowers you contribute in David’s honor to the Indiana Public Defender Council Scholarship Program, a cause that reflects his lifelong dedication to ensuring that quality legal representation remains accessible to all. Other causes close to David’s heart include the Southern Poverty Law Center, Wheeler Mission, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Volunteers of America, or any group that you think works to break the cycle of poverty and injustice.