David "Dave" Lee Brotherton

Dave was born on October 28, 1947, to Wilbur (Bill) Brotherton and Wilma (Buckner) Brotherton, in Springfield, Missouri. He grew up on the north side of Springfield attending Robberson Elementary, Reed Junior High, and Hillcrest High School. While at Hillcrest he was a member of the symphony where he played the bass violin. Dave graduated from Hillcrest in 1965.

While in Springfield, Dave was an active member of High Street Baptist Church. He was a member of the Singing Teens and avid participant of the youth group. As his faith in Jesus Christ developed, he attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO.

In 1974, after working various jobs, Dave relocated to Bolivar, MO where he was the manager of the MFA Grocery Store. His favorite job was working with the people that became his lifelong friends at Orval Davis Tire. In the mid-1970s as companies automated by adding information technology and computers to their business plans, Dave saw an opportunity to be a part of the computer revolution. He embarked on what would become a 40 career in information technology. Dave attended some of the first IBM programming seminars and training sessions in Southwest Missouri where he mastered the IBM AS400. While he never received a formal degree his continued self-development propelled him into leadership where he mentored many new programmers. Dave relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, and then to Deptford, New Jersey as he followed his career. Dave retired in 2014 as the Director of Information and Technology from Maksin Group (a subsidiary of AIG).

Dave was most proud on his sons Steven, Kevin, Rusty, Andy, and their families. Dave was dedicated to “his boys.” While not perfect he was perfectly theirs. Dave will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of a good meal, selflessness, and love of the Kansas City Chiefs. More importantly Dave has passed on a legacy of laughter, generosity, love, and a faith in Jesus Christ that will continue through his sons and their families.

Dave married the love of his life, Terry Fordemwalt on December 23, 1994. Terry accompanied Dave to New Jersey. Dave and Terry enjoyed traveling all over the New England area during their time in New Jersey. Sadly, Dave lost Terry in 2008.

Dave had a total of 13 grandchildren. While he did not live in the immediate vicinity of most of his grandchildren technology allowed him to connect with them. He loved to watch volleyball matches and soccer games via Facebook where he would cheer just like he was there. FaceTime allowed him to share laughter, see Boy Scout awards, listen to stories, and to see how much his grandchildren had grown.

Dave is survived by his four sons: Steven (Dana) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Kevin (Shannon) of Eddyville, KY; Rusty (Shannon) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Andy (Julie) of Pleasant Hill, MO. 12 grandchildren: Gabby (Chris) Caton, Hannah (Jonah) Melton, Hayden Brotherton, Kayla (Nick) Cresswell, Alex Brotherton, Samuel Brotherton, Dylan Brotherton, Alexis Brotherton, Hallie Brotherton, Joanna Brotherton, Hudson Brotherton, and Joseph Brotherton. Five great-grandchildren: Cairo, Asher, and Cora Caton; Jace and Emersyn Melton. He is also survived by Terry’s three sons and their families: John, Jeremy, and Nick Fordemwalt.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Terry, his parents Bill and Wilma, and his granddaughter Dorothy Thomae Brotherton.

Services will be held at Abundant Life Admin Building, 414 SW Persels Road, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64081 on July 15, 2023. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM with services at 11:00. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kuttawa Independent Church, 98 Lake Shore Drive, Kuttawa, KY 42055.