Joel D. David - Obituary

olonel Joel D. David, USAF Ret., 70, passed away unexpectedly on May 12th, 2023. The family is celebrating his dedication to his career and the hobbies that filled his life. Joel was born on September 19th, 1952, in Lebanon IN, to his parents Archibald & Nancy David. When he was just a young man, Joel pursued a private pilot's license that would soon lead him to the Air Force ROTC at IUPUI and his wife of 48 years, Elaine Jenicek David. He would go on to serve his country for 27 years in the United States Air Force, before finally retiring at the rank of Colonel. During his time of service, Col. David worked as an Electronic warfare officer, flying on B52’s at Carswell AFB and RC135’s at Offutt AFB. He attended and became a highly regarded instructor at Air Command and Staff in Montgomery, AL, where he then transitioned to a staff position at SITCOM on Macdeal AFB. He then became a MUNS squadron commander in Turkey, where he excelled and was awarded a second command in Germany. Col. David and his family relocated back to the United States to the defense agency DITRA. Here he received his last promotion to colonel. During his time of service, he further invested in his education earning two additional master’s degrees. After retiring from the USAF in the Northern VA area, Joel became a government defense contractor for SAIC and CTC. He finally found his second career at FEMA. Joel permanently retired in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. When he wasn’t working, Joel was passionate about sailboats, sea scouts, and model trains. He collected, fixed, and donated sailboats to scouting troops. He was a skipper, district commissioner, member of FOSSOM, and the incoming Commodore of the National Captial Aera Council of BSA. He loved being a part of the Scouts of America Organization and worked zealously to provide opportunities for younger generations of scouts. Joel David was an accomplished sailor, a loving father, and a brave and honorable soldier. He is survived by his wife, Elaine David, his daughters LeeAnn David-Hoover and Cris David-Hoover, and his grandchildren, Alix, Keyanue, Safia, Aero, and Emerie. Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Archibald and Nancy David, Brother Mark David, and his son Andrew David. A Celebration of Life will be held at Community of Faith, United Methodist Church, Herndon Va. We kindly request all of Joel’s friends and loved ones join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, May 20th for a 2:00 service. The David family welcomes any and all stories, or memories that Joel’s friends and colleagues would like to offer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to FOSSOM, at https://fossom.square.site