David H. House, 88, of Spring Hill, KS, passed away Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Center in Olathe, KS. He was born March 14, 1925 in the township of Aubrey (Bonita) in Johnson County, Kansas to John Lloyd and Malissa Eileen (Huggins) House. He lived in the Spring Hill/Olathe area for nearly all of his 88 years and was very proud of that fact.
David was married to Mary L. Fann on July 24, 1948 in Olathe, KS. She preceded him in death one day past their fifty fifth wedding anniversary. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his youngest sister, Barbara Marks; one nephew, Michael Fann ; five brothers in law, Ernest Triebel, Russell Yocum, George Fann, John Fann, Carl Fann Jr and one sister in law, Melvina “Butch” Fann. He is survived by their four children, David Jr. and his wife, Rose of Eudora, KS; John and wife, Jeanetta of Spring Hill, KS; Rita of the home and Byron and wife, Lisa of Perry, KS; two sisters, Jessie L. Yocum of Olathe, KS and Charlotte A. Triebel of Olathe, KS.; one brother in law, Robert H. Marks of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters in law, Lorraine Fann of Rushford, MN and Helen Fann of Independence, MO; eight grandchildren, Jeff and wife, Ginger of Olathe, KS; Tami of Topeka, KS; Joshua and wife, Mary of Shawnee, KS; Jakob of Athens, Greece; Jennifer of Spring Hill, KS; Julie and husband, Seth Johnson of Baldwin, KS; Joseph White of Topeka, KS and Michael White of Topeka, KS; one great grandson, Lucas House of Shawnee, KS; nieces, nephews and many friends.
David proudly volunteered to serve his country in World War II in the 24th Division, 21rst Infantry in the Philippines, Japan and Asiatic Pacific as a demolitions expert. He received the Bronze Star, Philippine Liberation medal, the Asiatic Pacific medal, the Good Conduct medal, the Victory medal and the Army Occupational medal (Japan). He was honorably discharged in November of 1946. He remained active in serving his country through his participation in the American Legion and other civic organizations until the last four years of his life. He served in all offices of the American Legion, having been Commander multiple times. He served as State Commander’s Aide to Bill Angell, in 1990-1991 and escorted him over 40, 000 miles by car that year visiting different posts and attending post, district and department functions. He was one of the three key organizers of the Veterans Park in Olathe, KS having sold most of the memorial bricks and spent numerous hours, days, weeks and months making sure the memorial bricks were correctly engraved and laid.
David and Mary were instrumental in starting the Spring Hill Recreation Association and having the first swimming pool built there. David served on the Spring Hill City Council, Planning Commission, and volunteer fire department and as a volunteer police officer. Although not personally born in Spring Hill, he considered it HIS town and was so proud of the fact that all of his children and most of his grandchildren graduated from Spring Hill High School. He attended nearly every sports activity Joshua, Jakob and Jennifer were involved in, whether it was near or far and always made sure he was there at least an hour early so he could get a good seat.
David worked hard all of his life: as a carpenter, tree trimmer, in a lumberyard and at a dairy in his early adult years. He began working at the Olathe Delco-Remy Battery Plant in 1961 and retired from there in April of 1987. While employed there he served 6 years as president, 18 years on the Union Executive Board, 5 years as trustee, and 7 years as financial secretary. He started the local retiree’s chapter in 1987 and remained their chairman for 20 years. He also served 9 years as financial secretary of the Kansas City Area Council of Retirees, 6 years as a KS Cap trustee, 3 years as the recording secretary of the Kansas City area Cap council and 6 years as the financial secretary of Region Five. He was a member of the La Societe Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevaux -40/8 for many years. He also sold real estate during those years.
David’s visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. His funeral services will be at 10 AM on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Both will be at McGilley and Frye Funeral Home in Olathe, KS. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Post 153 of the American Legion.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18