David J. Heeter, 79, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
David was born to Clyde and Marie Heeter on July 10, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri and was raised in Kansas City, Kansas. As a child, he took pride in serving as an altar boy at Blessed Sacrament Church, which was directly across from the family’s home and very convenient for the Priest when he needed an extra server. David was actively involved in Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout rank in 1959—a distinction he later shared with his son, Nick. David graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1963 after attending Blessed Sacrament Grade School and De La Salle Military Academy. He spent one fun year at Kansas University before joining the Navy.
David proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Disbursing Clerk on two different ships, one of which was commissioned on the day he was born. After his honorable discharge and with the encouragement of Maggie, he pursued higher education using the GI Bill. He earned a business degree from Rockhurst University in 1973.
On February 11, 1977, David married Margaret Sue Gillispie, his true love, embarking on a life filled with unconditional love, joy, and service to others. Maggie’s nursing skills were a great comfort to him during his battle with cancer. Together, they raised two children, Abby and Nick, and enjoyed the company of their five grandchildren: Ella, Will, Aidan, Jackson, and Caroline.
David’s professional journey began with the CB&Q Railroad, where he advanced from yard clerk to manager for the divisional Chief Mechanical Officer. He then co-founded General Bedding, where he was instrumental in importing, selling, and repairing air bedding products. After the business closed, a close friend encouraged David to enter the financial services sector. Joining Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance in 1979, David built a successful career, assisting hundreds of families with financial planning. Known for his kindness and dedication, he treated clients like family, always striving to provide the best advice. He pursued continuous education, earning numerous certificates and credentials in finance and life insurance. David’s 43-year career was marked by the trust and respect he earned from clients and the long-term relationships he nurtured, culminating in his retirement in 2022.
David’s passion for magic began in the early 1970s. He became a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1980, as well as the IBM Local Ring 129 and the Society of American Magicians Assembly 38. Alongside attending magic club meetings and reading numerous magic and joke books, he loved sharing his tricks at family gatherings and special events.
David loved fishing on his beloved Buster Boat, enjoyed ocean fishing on Nick’s boat in South Carolina, and delighted in teaching his grandchildren how to fish. He went on numerous fishing trips, creating a collection of stories and photos of his catches. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting and organized an annual hunting trip with his brother and friends every October. He had a deep appreciation for motorcycles, riding his Harley Davidson for 16 years. Additionally, his enthusiasm for pyrotechnics was evident in the spectacular fireworks he shot off every Fourth of July (and sometimes randomly in parking lots and his own backyard).
David was active in helping feed and provide supplies to the homeless with Hope in the Streets since it began in 2009. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years. He also served on the Caring Ministry and visited individuals who had no other visitors at a skilled nursing facility.
After retiring, David looked for new interests, and his curiosity about computers and smart phones led him to enroll in some classes with SenCom (Senior Computer Users Group of Kansas City). He found SenCom to be an active and viable organization; after being invited to join the board, David became the program director in early 2023.
David had an amazing sense of humor and embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He cherished time spent with his family, indulged in reading and traveling, and enjoyed socializing and shuffleboard with friends. He stayed active at the gym and loved attending his grandchildren's events and sporting activities. David had a youthful spirit, reveling in laughter and fun, whether it was setting off fireworks, showing you his latest trick, enjoying a cold beer, flying down a mountain on skis in Colorado, dressing up for Halloween, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, coloring eggs for Easter, or cheering on the Chiefs, Jayhawks, and Royals.
David will be profoundly missed by family and friends, but his legacy of living life to the fullest will continue to inspire all who knew him. His love and memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the joy he brought to those around him.
David is survived by his wife, Maggie Heeter; his daughter, Abby (Eli) Gaghen, and their children, Ella and Will, of Olathe, Kansas; his son, Nick Heeter, and his children, Aidan, Jackson, and Caroline, of Charleston, South Carolina; his sister, Diane (Keith) Montague of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; his brother, Denis Heeter of St. Petersburg, Florida; and numerous in-laws and extended family members.
A Celebration of His New Life will be held on Friday, August 30, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 12800 W 75th St, Shawnee, KS, at 11:00 AM. This will be preceded by a Rosary at 9:30 AM and a Visitation at 10:00 AM at the church. Following the Mass and cemetery services at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, a luncheon will be held at Good Shepherd.
In addition, there will be a Celebration of Life Party at Coach’s Bar & Grill, 6700 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS, starting at 5:00 PM, with an opportunity to share stories at 6:00 PM. Join us for a final toast to David at one of his favorite shuffleboard spots.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in David’s memory be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church or Hope in the Streets.