David L. Faulkner died July 26, 2011, at Hospice House of Reno County after a long and courageous battle with a chronic illness.

He was born Dec. 11, 1949, the son of Helen E. and Clifford R. Faulkner.

He was of independent faith. On Sept. 14, 1973, he married Shirley A. Casad. The couple divorced in 1990 and remained close. She survives.

He is survived by his three children, Delorah Cunningham of South Hutchinson, Kan., Delayna and Kyle Crookes of Hutchinson, Kan., and Shane Faulkner and Andrea Miller of Nickerson, Kan.; a brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Mary Faulkner of Mount Hope, Kan.; a nephew and his wife, Joshua and Kathleen Faulkner, also of Mount Hope, Kan.; and seven grandchildren, Taylor Faulkner, Jaiden, Lauren and Mackenzie Faulkner, Michael David Cunningham, Kennedy and Kannon Crookes, all of the local area.

He graduated from Nickerson High School in 1967 and attended Pittsburg Community College. He was a self-employed master builder for much of his life. He served in the Army National Guard 130th Field Artillery from 1968 to 1974, completing his six years of service as an E-4 with an honorable discharge. David enjoyed life and the people he was connected with. He was a loving father, supportive companion, hard worker and good friend. He had a special nickname for each of his close friends and family members that he always used instead of their given names. Many people remember him as being a fun and passionate individual with a zest for life and adventure. He was an extremely hard worker and had many skills to build, fix and repair nearly everything that he encountered. David loved the outdoors and was a master griller with a love for good food. He loved to laugh and tell stories and pull funny stunts on others and was a wonderful grandfather to the grandchildren. Dave loved HCC baseball and cheered on every game. He enjoyed all facets of nature, hunting and working with various animals, entering competitive markets with various pigeon racing and poultry shows.

He was preceded in death by both parents, and various aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 29, 2011, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson. A private burial service will be held by the family at a later time and location.

In lieu of flowers, the family and Dave specifically requested memorials be sent to the Hutchinson Community College Baseball team, where his son-in-law, Kyle Crookes, is the head coach. Calling hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence or remembrance for David's family.