David John McCullough

David McCullough passed away December 15, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children, following a long and courageous battle with stage 4 soft tissue sarcoma which had metastasized to his lungs. David was born in Ottawa, Illinois on March 4th, 1966, to Donald and Mary Lou McCullough. He was the third of four children and the only boy. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1984 before joining the Navy, doing his basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois and went on to serve proudly and honorably for 20 years in the United States Navy as an Aircraft Mechanic Safety Equipment Technician (Ejection Seat Mechanic). He served in many conflicts/wars including Beirut, Kosovo, Kuwait (Desert Storm), Iraq and Afghanistan. His deployments took him away from his family for extended periods of time, however the silver lining for him was being able to have ports-of-call in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Sicily, Greece, Crete, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, United Arab of Emirates, Canada and Brazil. His highlights were seeing the pyramids, the Sphinx, Leaning Tower of Pisa and snow skiing in the French and Italian Alps. After his retirement from military service, he went on to work as a contractor for the Navy as an Aircraft Mechanic for another 17 years until he medically retired due to his battle with cancer. During his career he worked on the S-3B Viking, P-3C Orion, T-6 Texan, and T-45 Goshawk, onboard land-based airfields and aircraft carriers to include the USS Nimitz, Roosevelt, Truman and Enterprise. David is survived by the love of his life, his wife Tonya, his children Ashleigh (Justin), Shae (Kaleb), McKenzie, Zander, Zachary (Kaitlyn), Courtney (Golan), his mother Mary Lou, sisters Debbie (Bill), Donna, and Diane (Mike), grandchild Hazyl, brother-in-law T.J. (Kim), nephews Jacob, Max, Brandon, Dillon, nieces Monica, Sarah, Rebekah and Faith, in-laws Terry and Sandy, numerous great nephews and nieces. His father Donald McCullough preceded him in death. David was a loving and caring husband, father, Papa and overall wonderful human being. He liked to spend time at the beautiful beaches in Pensacola Florida, scuba diving, riding his jet ski, fishing, going on cruise ships and spending time with his grandchild. He dedicated his life to his family, his country and his friends. His wish was that anyone that knew him celebrate his life instead of mourning his death and feel at ease that he is breathing freely and no longer feeling any pain. He was disappointed about not being able to have a full lifetime to spend with his wife, children, family and friends. He wished he could have seen his children grow older and watch their families grow. David's final resting place will be Barrancas National (Veterans) Cemetery located onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida, home of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team (Blue Angels). David's final arrangements: visitation on 12/23 from 9 to 10 am at Faith Chapel-north 1000 S. HWY 29 Cantonment FL 32533. Funeral to follow at Barrancas Cemetery on NAS Pensacola at 11:00 until 11:30. Please wear Hawaiian shirts, concert shirts or casual attire in his memory. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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David John McCullough

March 4, 1966 - December 15, 2024