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Obituary For David Anthony Hartter
David completed his life's journey on February 19, 2026. David was born in Loveland, CO and spent his formative years in Kansas. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Elizabeth, lovingly called “Mama Liz.” He is survived by his best friend and wife, Misty, his mother Pamela (John), his father Gary (Maggie), sister Michelle (Dave), brother Josh (Ellie), daughter Torie, grandson Cade, son Seth, two nieces, Madeleine and Annaliese, and his nephew David. He was a devoted, loving second father to Hayley, Lauren, Callie, and Carter.
He graduated in 1991 from Smokey Valley High School in Lindsborg, KS and entered the US Navy as Operations Specialist on the USS John Hancock with navigational, anti-air/surface/sub-surface radar operator and controller duties. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
After time spent in the Navy, he returned to Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University – Salina with a Bachelor of Airway Science/Professional Pilot degree. He trained at the North American Flight Academy and the Airline Dispatch Training Center, where he received FAA certification and ratings for Private Pilot, Instrument, Dispatcher, Unmanned Pilot, and Advanced Ground Instructor. He also received National Intercollegiate Flying Association awards for Outstanding Team Member, Outstanding Volunteer, and Competition Safety.
His work experience included Aviation Consulting, Flight Instructor, President of NOCA (a training program for helicopter ambulance safety operators), Flight Manager, and Air Traffic Control Specialist.
David was especially a pillar of strength, with his unconditional love for his wife and his mother. He filled his life with enjoying family trips, strumming his guitar, hunting, motorcycle rides, camping with his brother, and teaching his son how to fish. He loved carpentry, home improvement, and building useful things for family members. His sense of humor and ready smile spread encouragement and joy wherever he went. He faced life's ups and downs with courage, a smile, and a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. David will forever live in our hearts.
A memorial gathering will be announced at a later time.
The staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to be selected to provide end-of-life services. (Please do not send flowers to the crematory)
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceI know that I had not talked to David in a few years but I hope he knew how important he was in my life. Ever since I was little, I spent summer vacations and holidays with him, Hayley, Seth and my aunt. He was the father figure I needed and no matter what, I could count on him to be there for me and my cousins. I remember the first time I went on a helicopter was when he worked for Care Flight and even though it made me nervous, it is a core memory that I will never forget. He always took us kids to do something fun and made us laugh. Every summer we went floating on the river and we would stay out there all day.
Thank you for being the dad I needed but never had, David. I will always miss you and love you.
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I haven't talked with Dave for many years. One memory of him sticks out from high school. One morning driving to school Dave and I got speeding tickets at the same time. My speedometer was broke, Dave was behind me I didn't realize how fast I was going but Dave did. He thought I would get caught and not himself. He and I laughed about it. We also worked together at the Brunswick restaurant washing dishes sometimes. He was always easy to talk to. It breaks my heart that he has passed this early in life. I will remember him in my heart. My God bless you Dave.
I can't believe Dave is gone and I won't get to joke around with him. He made working at AEL fun, together we were on the same wavelength, team members on our shift were always cracking up as we played off of each other. We were like a live comedy show at work. Dave was funny, generous and a awesome friend. I will remember him and miss him every day.
