David Depew

David Ernest Depew went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on December 7,2025. David was born in Peekskill, New York in 1936 to Chauncy Mitchell and Ina McCoy Depew. The Depew family originally immigrated to the New World in the 1600’s to escape religious persecution in Europe.

David was accepted to the US Military Academy at West Point in 1954, where he played Lacrosse and excelled in the German language. After graduation, he trained to be an Airborne Ranger and served in the 82nd Airborne Division in Okinawa for 3 years. After his Army service, he transitioned into civilian life, becoming an Aerospace Engineer at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked on the Saturn 5 engine that eventually took astronauts to the moon.

David, who had left his Christian faith behind when he went to West Point, had an encounter with Christ in 1967. Dave committed the rest of his life to the service of Jesus. He served in Thailand cross-culturally for 16 years, assisting Thai nationals to plant and nurture churches. He established, directed and taught in several training schools in the U.S. and Asia. He eventually became President of New Life Advance International, and traveled to many different countries to visit and encourage both national and foreign workers. Dave greatly valued life-long learning, and fulfilled a dream when he received his M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2001.

David is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan Ramsey Depew; his daughter, Anna Woloshko (Andy) of San Rafael, CA.; his son, James Depew of Houston, TX; by his (step) sons, Bratan Voraritskul (Gina) of Missouri City, TX and Micah Voraritskul (Kristy) of Cleveland, TN.; and by his three grandchildren, Ethan, Molly and Ellis Voraritskul. He left behind a host of friends, family, former students, and loved ones all over the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carolyn Depew; his brother, Chauncy Mitchell Depew and his son, David Mitchell Depew.

Dave is fondly remembered for his integrity, kindness, passion, spirit of encouragement and devotion to Christ. In addition, he had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful story teller.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Earthman Funeral Home, 12555 S. Kirkwood Rd.; Stafford, TX 77477 on February 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.