David Morris Huey

David Morris Huey peacefully took leave of this world on September 23, 2021, lovingly released by family members and care providers at Accura Healthcare of Pleasantville. David was born in Des Moines, Iowa, November 5, 1955, to Joy Thomas Huey and Billy Morris Huey. Adored by their parents, David and his older brother, Duane, were carefully guided through their childhood years, and their parents greatly enjoyed their sons’ accomplishments and adventures as they became adults.

Surviving David are his brother, Duane Huey, and nephews, Dylan Huey (Hailey) and Chase (Ariel), two great nieces and a great nephew.

David would like to be remembered as a creative writer, a runner, animal lover, a skier, a sailor, a Christian, and someone whose motto was, “I live but to serve!” His high school career at Valley High in West Des Moines, Iowa, was highlighted his senior year by becoming 5th in his division of the state wrestling championship. Following graduation, a trip backpacking around Europe was his next claim to fame.

After completing a degree in journalism at Iowa State University, he left serious studying and worked as a concrete layer to feed his expensive hobbies: skiing, and the Boulder, Colorado, night life. Recognizing that his professional resume was lacking after five years of play and adventure in Colorado, David returned to his home state and entered Drake University where he received a Master of Arts degree in Journalism. Then came time for serious career exploits. Most likely he would say he gained extreme satisfaction from the following employment opportunities where he served as a writer, PR marketer, public speaker, etc.: Living History Farms, Iowa Donor Network, Two Rivers Marketing, and Midwest Contractor Magazine (editor).

David believed in work/life balance, and always had some adventures percolating in his mind…he ran Central Iowa’s Dam to Dam race more than 20 years in a row, participated in an Outward-Bound sailing experience on the northeastern shore, obtained his sailing certification in San Francisco, and did a solo mid-winter camping trek over the Continental Divide. It shouldn’t be without note that he also loved the freedom-feeling of riding his Honda Night Hawk motorcycle. Nature and being able to hike and explore continued to bring him joy.

Almost a confirmed bachelor, David, decided adventure was not complete without a go at matrimony. On his 49th birthday he married Scarlett Lunning and became a part of a much larger family including her three sons, and their families, her parents, four sisters and her brother’s families. They had many good times and years together, walking their dogs, caring for their home, and enjoying new couples during the pre-marital workshops they taught together. He joined Scarlett’s faith community at Plymouth Church, where he participated in the Stephens Ministers program, and they would often visit his home church of West Des Moines Christian. Their marriage ended in 2016, yet their friendship lived on.

Alas, among David’s interests, was one that became the bane of his life, leading to his death of alcohol-induced dementia. Still, as his family learned from the caring staff at Accura Healthcare, during his last years of sobriety, he was able to bring a lot of love and support to the staff and residents. Staff stories of his empathy and fun personality helped family know that his last years did hold joy and connection. Many challenges were present in obtaining appropriate care for David during his last years. No matter the hardships, his brother, Duane, provided keen oversight of David’s health and welfare. Although Duane’s consistent caring for David during the most challenging of days and years was often a heartbreaking experience for both and sometimes strained their relationship, their loving brotherly bond was reaffirmed in David’s final days. In their hearts, both brothers believe that bond will live on forever.