Born in Independence, Missouri then moving to St. Louis, he graduated from Pattonville High School. In 1964, David returned to Independence to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Shortly thereafter he transferred to Central Missouri State University to complete both undergraduate and Masters of Special Education degrees.
During his time at UMKC, David met and married Sondra Stanford, a teacher at Osage Elementary School. David and Sondra had two children together, Timothy and Shayna and were married until 1976. Years later, a chance visit at Center High School provided the opportunity to be introduced to the school’s nurse and future wife, Anne Pritchard. David and Anne married in 1980 and remained lovingly so until the time of his passing.
David began his professional career working with boys in need of families at Drumm Farm in Independence Missouri. He was offered a full-time teaching position at Blue Springs High School then later accepted the Special Education Work Study Coordinator position at Grandview High School where he served faithfully for thirty-three years.
David’s life passion was championing the overlooked, the discarded and less fortunate. Outside the classroom, he worked with his students in workshops where valuable job skills were learned, skills that fostered a sense of self-worth, confidence and independence. He built relationships with local businesses to create opportunities for students. He followed up for years after their graduation to ensure they remained successful. In his spare time he enjoyed volunteering with the Special Olympics and at the Trailside Center near their home. He was an avid reader, overall sports and St. Louis Cardinals enthusiast, and had a deep appreciation for nature. He loved traveling and dreaming about the places he and Anne would visit. But more than anything, he loved spending time with his family and being entertained by his grandkids.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Hester Headen and survived by his loving wife Anne, sons and daughter: Tim Headen, Shayna and Mike Collette, Eason and Whitney Pritchard, sister Claudia Grunewald and Klaus, grandchildren; Tanner Headen, Mikaylin and Cassidy Collette, Ryanne Burke, Paige, Jack and Emma Pritchard.
David was the love of Anne’s life and together they enjoyed the little things as much as the big things throughout their time together. She loved him with all her heart and will miss him terribly.
Memorial services will be held November 9th, 3:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Memorial Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Special Olympics or Special Needs Ministerial Program at Racine Christian Church where his granddaughter is the founder and director.
