On Friday January 18th, David McElliott loving husband and father passed away at the age of 67 from COPD surrounded by his wife and all his children by his side. David was born at Fairchild Air Force Base on December 2, 1951. As a young child his mother moved him and his siblings to California where he attended North Hollywood high school. David enlisted in the Army December 8, 1968 and was honorably discharged on March 9, 1973. He served in Vietnam from August 1970 to August 1971 as a part of the infamous first squadron 9th Calvary regiment, 1st Calvary division known as the “Headhunters”. He was an aircraft mechanic and served as a door gunner during his tour in Vietnam. His awards and decorations include the national Defense service medal, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal, Vietnam service medal with two bronze service stars, the aircraft crewman badge and the Purple Heart. After his military discharge David began his lifelong career as a Truck driver in Spokane with Plywood Distributors in 1974. He retired in 2007 with Eagle Systems after 33 years. He was also a part of the Teamsters Union. David and Karen were married on June 15th, 1996 combining 6 children. During David’s life he made many friends. You could find him at numerous restaurants and parked at Dick‘s hamburgers looking for someone who needed to be fed. You couldn’t go anywhere without him knowing someone. He was proud of his friendships, many who remained with him until his passing. David is preceded in death by his mother and his beautiful sister Lynne Grande (2008). He is survived by his wife Karen and children Christi Palmer, Carrie Elmer, David Melbihess, Michael McElliott, Kimberly Allen and Kyle McElliott as well as his 11 grandchildren: Tyler, Donovan, Phillip, Taylor, Emma, Sophya, Molly, Trevor, Shatzie, Korbin and David.
Services will be held at Ball & Dodd funeral home Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00am, with a potluck gathering of all his favorite foods at his home following services.
