Brig General David Leonard Funk

January 17, 1935-February 6, 2026

Brigadier General David L. Funk, a highly decorated combat veteran, dedicated public servant, and accomplished athlete, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. A man of immense intellect and courage, General Funk’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his country, his family, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

A Distinguished Military Career

Born in Coshocton, Ohio, to Ivers Leonard and Dorthea Zill Funk, David’s journey of service began at Indiana University, where he was commissioned through the ROTC program. His thirty-year career in the U.S. Army (1958–1989) was nothing short of legendary.

As an Armor officer, he commanded a tank company in the Federal Republic of Germany during the height of the Cold War. Transitioning to the skies as a Master Aviator, he served two tours in the Republic of Vietnam flying attack helicopters. His resilience was nearly supernatural; he survived being shot down eight times during his service.

Back in the United States, his strategic mind led him to the Pentagon as TRADOC System Manager for Attack Helicopters and various leadership roles, including Program Manager for the Apache Helicopter TADS/PNVS, Program Executive Officer for Aviation, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Tactical Warfare Programs and Commanding officer of Army Aviation Systems Command. His chest of medals told the story of his valor, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Medals, four Meritorious Service Medals,14 Air medals and many other citations, awards and medals.

Leadership in Industry and Education

Following his retirement from the Army, General Funk brought his expertise to Martin Marietta serving as Program Director of the Close Combat Technical Trainer and later Program Director of the United Kingdom Apache, a major international program. Yet, his passion for service didn't end with industry. He transitioned into academia teaching graduate courses at Troy University in Montgomery. He remained a student of the world, holding degrees from the University of Nebraska, the Army War College, the University of Oklahoma, Harvard University Senior Managers in Government program and PhD in Public Administration from the University of Alabama.

A Life in Motion

David was a man who never stayed still. An avid runner, he completed 11 marathons and represented Alabama in the National Senior Olympic Games in 1995, 2001 and 2005. Whether he was cycling with the Montgomery Bicycle Club, diving with the Adventure Sports SCUBA group, or engaging with the Montgomery Men's Cultural Organization, Unity Club and Montgomery Track and Running Club, he approached every hobby with the same discipline and vigor he brought to the battlefield.

Family and Legacy

David was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Angeli; and his beloved first wife, Brenda Smith Funk.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Worley Funk; his daughters, Mary Elizabeth Funk and Hillary Leigh Funk Sendak (Matthew); and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Jane Funk. His legacy further lives on through his extended family: Rob Pirnie (Natalie), Meg Pirnie Kammerud (Eric), and grandchildren Roma Pirnie, Brabee Pirnie, Cora Kammerud, and Iver Kammerud.

Services

A memorial service to celebrate the life of General Funk will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Montgomery, Alabama, Feb 22 at 2 PM. He will be buried in Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC.