I first met David as a fourth grader as we played on rival football teams.  The week we played David's Indian Creek team every year was special because it was such an intense rivalry.  Eventually we both arrived at Shawnee Mission South and became good friends.

David was certainly a fun-loving guy and a lot of fun to hang out with.  But he was also a very hard worker.  I still have memories of him coming into the huddle just drenched in sweat and motivating us to keep working.  And we didn't want to let him down.  I remember one particular game our junior year when due to some unusual circumstances a lot of people thought we weren't going to do very well.  David spent the entire week motivating us, and I can still remember just as clear as if it was yesterday when David came into the first huddle of that game and told us, "We have something to prove."  We did not want to let him down!  (Spoiler alert: we won.)

I hadn't seen David in a long time -- I haven't kept up with my high school buddies very well.  But the last time we talked he was recounting stories of our other friends and how they were doing and what they were up to.  David was a great connector -- the type of person who connects with others and connects others together.  And that's a special type of person. 

So long David.  You are missed.

I am so sorry for your loss, Martin Family!

Blessings for peace and support through your time of mourning.

Prayers lifted for you daily! 

Rest in glory David!

Our son Jackson Hylton was hired on as an apprentice at Baxter Mechanical.  Russell and I have heard Jackson speak very highly of David….many times. We as Jackson’s parents will forever remember the guidance he shared to help Jackson in his confidence and career.  
Sincerely,
Russell and Lynn Hylton

David and I attended Indian Creek and SMS together and knew each other pretty well. Oddly enough it was our senior year at South when we began to run around in the same crowds and became closer as friends culminating in a spring break trip to Padre Island where we continued to strengthen a genuine friendship.  From then on when I would occasionally  run into David he would always have a smile on his face and usually start a conversation with, "Hey, do you remember when...." .  It was always a fond memory or funny story he was about to revisit with me.  I am truly sorry our paths did not cross more often as we got older.  Rest in Peace my old friend.

David, 
You were a friend and a coworker for 23 years. I miss so much already.
You were so dedicated to your wife Michelle, Anna, Henry and Lida.
You will be dearly missed my friend.
Rest in peace Brother.

Great roommate. Great friend. Better person.  My deepest condolences to Michelle, Anna, Henry, Lida and the Martin family.  I will always remember Dave’s great sense of humor, fierce loyalty, intense determination and love for his family.

My dad, mom and I with my best friend and his parents after my first start in college. Glad my dad was able to see it.

Our deepest condolences to Dave’s family, and all of us fortunate enough to call him a friend.  He will be missed.

I would be remiss if I failed to add a memory that speaks to Dave's bond with his family.  In addition to being a wonderful husband, father and brother, he was a special uncle to my sons; Jamie and Trey.  

This picture is of a road trip to Manhattan, Kansas to watch the Homecoming football game.  Dave is with a young Henry (my has Henry grown up!).  My sons, Jamie and Trey, are with our uncle; Jerry Hantman.  

So many good memories which we will all cherish.

We could not have asked for a better brother.  Dave will be missed by all of us.

This is a photo in front of David’s Overland Park home.

What a shocking, heart-breaking loss.  Dave was such a good man, a great friend, and I'll miss him terribly.  I first met him at the Athletic Club of Overland Park. At first I only knew of him, in passing--because he was noticeable as  a stalwart in the AOP weight room, while I was (mostly) playing handball and lifting.

Then,  in the Fall of   '94, I saw a bulletin at AOP about a karate class:  "Want to Learn Karate?"

 Curious, I followed up and soon I  met "Dave and Frank" (they seemed like  twins separated at birth in my mind). I came to know they were training partners in a Gojo Ryu karate class.   Dave, Frank and the rest of the fun-loving (but serious) karate crowd eventually drew me in....Dave trained and guided us.

Michelle  even met her future life partner through that karate path, and their beautiful family blossomed from that (at first secret) beginning.  Dave loved Michelle and their kids and their interests more than anything.   Vicki and I treasure our friendship with Dave and Michelle.  Hope everyone knows Vicki and I watched both of the Chiefs' Super Bowl wins at their house (and not the one they lost)-- so no wonder they won!

 I know Dave passed on to the kids what I learned from him in karate:  Be direct but kind...be fair always...be humble...know the fundamentals...always offer to help...find the best in everyone...work hard...the rest will come....

Dave made life better for those who knew him.   Osu!  Rest in peace, bro....Dennis Egan (Jodan, 5/97; Nidan 5/03)

Mr. Martin was truly one of a kind, ever since his son Henry and I started dating 3+ years ago he was like a second father to me. Dave was truly the most selfless person I had ever met. There was not a single person that cared more about their kids and their family than Dave did. I remember meeting Dave for the first time and being terrified because people had told me that he was a little intimidating at first but that was the furthest thing from the truth, I felt right at home the second I met him. He reminded me so much of my own dad. Ever since that day we enjoyed going to every single one of Henry’s football games together, grilling out on the weekends, trips to Destin, and watching sports with the family on multiple occasions. He taught me not only so much about the game of football but how to be a true team player on and off the field. I remember the first game Henry got put in to play at NWMS and I instantly looked at Dave as Henry’s mother and I were so nervous, but Daves eyes just lit up watching his son play the game he loved. I always loved hearing him talk about Anna, Henry, Lida and Michelle and how he could not be more proud of his family. It was truly a blessing getting to know him and he will be missed tremendously.

Michelle-
I am so sorry that this has happened. Please know that your Lumen iPMO family love you and are praying for you. My condolences and hugs.

Donna, 

It’s been many years since our paths have crossed but Your family remains strong in my mind. 

My heart aches for your loss.  David was always such an important part of our lives. David & David helped each other grow up. The experiences they shared and we shared through them were special. 

Just know Leonard, David, Jennifer, Amy and I send you heartfelt condolences, hugs and peace,
Dee Dee Lowland (ddfrmkc@gmail.com)

Mr. Martin was a person with a big heart. He was always there to help no matter what! He was very thoughtful person and I knew I always find support or word of encouragement in him. My favorite memory of him is when he came to support UNO XC team at the Southland Conference and had so much believe in a team, so he already made Champions T-shirts for the girls. They did win indeed! It was incredible how much believe and thoughts he put into that!
I do want to express my deepest condolences and I will forever cherish all our memories together with Mr.Martin!

Dave and I became friends while working out at the Atlantic club of Overland Park in the mid-90s.  Of course with both of us being Shawnee mission South grads friendship came quickly.  

When my youngest son Luke decided he wanted to try tackle football as luck would have it he was placed on the Blue valley North team with Dave as the head coach and his son Henry as our quarterback.  Luke being one of the two smallest kids on the team was given the name of ," Smalls" by Dave.  I always enjoyed hearing Dave belt out the word Smalls on the practice field because everyone heard it.  Luke asked me one day why does Dave always yell at me and I said it's because he's paying attention to you.  Luke played wide receiver and was usually thrown the ball once or twice a game.  I was an unofficial coach more of a helper to the team but it was always fun to watch Dave prepare the boys every week as if we were playing in the super bowl.  In the long run it was great because we hardly ever lost a game in the four years we played football with the North team coached by Dave and others.
Dave had such a tremendous impact on Luke's life and I know for a fact that Dave was Luke's favorite coach of all time.
Dave had a great impact and a lot of people's lives and I'm thankful that my son was able to be under Dave's wings.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Martin family.

Dear Martin Family,  My most humble and respectful condolences on the loss of your Father, a Brother, and a Son; I too am saddened.  I was privilege to know Dave (since college) and on occasion I would visit him at work - without exception he would regale me with the accomplishments of his children - His heart was most certainly invested in them, their accomplishments, and the joy they brought him.  -kai- M. Dannatt

Very sorry for your loss John.   Very good memories playing against David in sports as youths. Always on opposing teams and he was usually leading his team to victory.  Rest in peace David!  My prayers are with the entire family.

Michelle, Lida, Henry and Anna, I am so so sorry for your loss. We are all thinking about you.

Mr. Martin was always very friendly and outgoing when our paths crossed. I enjoyed talking with him, and he gave me the time of day at Martin family gatherings. I really respected him for doing that. Rest in peace to a good guy; I will always remember  his kindness and how he treated me. 🤝🫡

Our sincerest condolences to Henry and the Martin family during this difficult time.  Dave made a large impact and example as he took Alex under his wing when the boys were in middle school throwing javelin with the Comets.  While we might have lost touch after Henry went on to college, we enjoyed the hours of track meets, practice and stories that helped mold the boys in to the athletes they are today.  Prayers for peace and comfort.  Julie and Alex Bebermeyer

My son Luke was placed on Dave’s 5th Grade Mustang football team.   Luke went to a different school, so he didn’t know the other kids.  
Luke was small and hadn’t played much football.  Dave tried him at running back and wide receiver, but Luke had trouble catching the ball and remembering all the routes. 
Despite his size, they put him on the O-Line at Right Guard, where his job on every play was simple: never ever let anyone through the A-gap (the gap between the Guard and the Center), which protected Henry, the QB.  Luke understood his job, and he protected the A-Gap and Henry no matter who was in front of him.  It was usually someone much bigger.  He never backed down, he never complained, and he never came out of a game hurt. 
Luke gained confidence, made friends, and was proud to contribute to a winning team.  While there were some very talented players on the team, Dave and the other coaches made Luke feel like he was just as important to the team as anyone else. 
Some games, when the Mustangs got a big lead, Dave would let Luke run the ball.  Luke’s teammates encouraged him, and gave their all to block for the little Guard who blocked for them.  It was a testament to the unselfish culture Dave created. 
Luke’s football career was brief, but the pinnacle was his time on the Mustangs, where a caring Coach found a role for a shy, undersized kid and made him feel valued. 
Thanks Dave.  
Roger and Lisa Summers

To my best friend and best man. Dave “Tusk”, I will always recall fondly the many times we shared. You were a loyal friend and wonderful father. RIP Brother.

I moved to KC in the seventh grade.  Immediately I began to play football for Indian Creek.  John (David’s father) was influential in my youth.  I realized as David and I stayed friends thru the SM South days how influential David actually was.    A solid friend.  Always there, and always interested in me and what I needed to be better.  I saw David several times over the past few years.  He was always, I mean always talking about his children.  I’ll bet he was a great dad.     The world is a little worse off with David being gone.  He was my friend.   Thanks David.  
Thomas Acree

Dave, The Best! We will miss his smile and kind heart🙏🏻

I’ve known Dave since high school, then later reconnected thru karate. I always appreciated his attitude even during the toughest workouts and camps. You could tell how proud he was of his kids and loved his family.  We will miss you, Dave.

I had the privilege and the honor to coach with Dave for several years. Dave always put the kids first and was always teaching. Not just about sports, but he talked to the kids about the importance of school and good choices in life, as well the importance of being well balanced.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Michele and the kids, Dave will be missed!

I never ran into Dave when he didn’t have a sports conversation ready to go. He was always willing to share his thoughts and ideas and usually had solid data to back up his points! 😃
From football coaching philosophy to javelin throwing techniques, I always had something in common to visit with him about. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to the Martin family! RIP Dave…

Michelle, Anna, Henry and Lida,
We are so saddened to hear about David’s passing. We remember him cheering the girls on at track meets and always wearing a smile. We know his memory will be a blessing and are sending love to all of you.
The Strauss Family

There are no words for a time like this other than you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are so terribly sorry for your loss!  He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dave was simply the best!!  No one loved their kids, their wife or their family more than Dave.  He was always coaching and finding ways to help Anna and Henry with what they loved to do.  Yelling out times around the track to Anna or helping Henry with football, he loved watching his kids compete.  Him and I would talk several times a week about sports, his kids and family.  He was one of kind.  A great competitor and man of his word, he is truly going to be missed!

Dave was the consummate family man. He spent countless hours supporting his children in all of their many activities and the pride he had for them was second to none. I will always treasure the time I got with Dave and he will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to Michelle, Anna, Henry, Lida and all those who loved him.

David and I started our relationship as rivals…he as the quarterback for Indian Creek and me the quarterback for Nall Wood. After several years of wanting to “kill each other” on the football field, we then became teammates at SMS and better yet, became friends. I always admired and respected Dave for his morals and ideals, even as high school renegades. He was and still is a stud in my eyes. I look forward to the day I see him again!!!

OBITUARY

David Henry Martin

October 10, 1965 – October 5, 2023

McGilley State Line Chapel

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