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Rev. Fr. Christopher J. David
Oct. 23, 1965 - March 21, 2008
Rev. Fr. Christopher James David, 42, of Keokuk, who grew up in Clinton, passed away Good Friday, March 21, 2008, in Keokuk.
Fr. David was born on Oct. 23, 1965, in Clinton, the son of Thomas and Mary Ann Shepard David.
He was a 1986 graduate of Clinton Mater Dei. He attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, graduating with a master's in divinity, and later completed seminary at Kenrick Glennon in St. Louis.
Survivors include: his father, Thomas (Sandy) David of Clinton; his mother, Mary Ann David; a sister, Laura (Tom) Tack of N. Charleston, S.C.; and a halfbrother, Jake David of Clinton; two nephews and a niece; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded by his paternal and maternal grandparents and a brother, Thomas Patrick David Jr.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 520 Ninth Avenue South, Clinton. The Rev. Fr. Scott Lemaster and Fr. Keenan will concelebrate.
Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at The Lemke Funeral Home, North Chapel, 2304 N. Second St., Clinton, and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the St. Mary Catholic Church on 520 Ninth Avenue South in Clinton.
On-line condolences may be left at www.lemkefuneralhome.net.
Rev. Fr. Christopher James David, 42, of Keokuk, who grew up in Clinton, passed away Good Friday, March 21, 2008, in Keokuk.
Fr. David was born on Oct. 23, 1965, in Clinton, the son of Thomas and Mary Ann Shepard David.
He was a 1986 graduate of Clinton Mater Dei. He attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, graduating with a master's in divinity, and later completed seminary at Kenrick Glennon in St. Louis.
Survivors include: his father, Thomas (Sandy) David of Clinton; his mother, Mary Ann David; a sister, Laura (Tom) Tack of N. Charleston, S.C.; and a halfbrother, Jake David of Clinton; two nephews and a niece; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded by his paternal and maternal grandparents and a brother, Thomas Patrick David Jr.
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Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at The Lemke Funeral Home, North Chapel, 2304 N. Second St., Clinton, and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the St. Mary Catholic Church on 520 Ninth Avenue South in Clinton.
On-line condolences may be left at www.lemkefuneralhome.net.
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| Duane H. Dravis | Earl B. Gabel |
Reader Tributes
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
Marty & Jacquey Fox wrote on Mar 24, 2008 4:54 PM:
" We will miss you FR.Chris. I will miss our after dinner talks about our Lord. Of course you are one up on us now, you are there and very happy I am sure. God will surely bless you. Marty & Jacquey Fox "
Terra Fox wrote on Mar 24, 2008 4:58 PM:
" Good Bye, Father David,
My friend grief numbs my words. Many of us lost a gifted and dynamic Priest at your passing. We also lost a confidant and friend.
Had you told me on Good Friday that the vital, warm person with whom I was friends with would die that day, I would have told you that you were crazy.
Although I have only known Father David for about six years, I feel that his guidance and friendship has been among the most valuable of my experiences. His passion for his faith carried into the sensitivity and depth of the sermons, advice, comments and friendships he gave to all of us who got to know him.
I will be forever impressed with the way that Fr. David could take parishioners ideas, reflections and rants, then put them in some larger picture, with a faith filled answer. And when Fr. David went on a tear about something, it was always backed by years of scripture study in a faith he loved.
To borrow a line, Father Christopher David will forever "Easter" in my heart, and his influence on my faith will resonate in the years to come.
All I want to know now is, "Just how beautiful was it on the First Day of Spring in Heaven Fr. David?" "
My friend grief numbs my words. Many of us lost a gifted and dynamic Priest at your passing. We also lost a confidant and friend.
Had you told me on Good Friday that the vital, warm person with whom I was friends with would die that day, I would have told you that you were crazy.
Although I have only known Father David for about six years, I feel that his guidance and friendship has been among the most valuable of my experiences. His passion for his faith carried into the sensitivity and depth of the sermons, advice, comments and friendships he gave to all of us who got to know him.
I will be forever impressed with the way that Fr. David could take parishioners ideas, reflections and rants, then put them in some larger picture, with a faith filled answer. And when Fr. David went on a tear about something, it was always backed by years of scripture study in a faith he loved.
To borrow a line, Father Christopher David will forever "Easter" in my heart, and his influence on my faith will resonate in the years to come.
All I want to know now is, "Just how beautiful was it on the First Day of Spring in Heaven Fr. David?" "
Michelle, Keokuk, IA wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:43 PM:
" I learned that humility doesn’t mean denying who you are from Father David. It doesn’t imply getting normal and average, or pretending to. It means accepting and even embracing the full truth of my life as a gift, without pretense, and being grateful. Being a socially-inept, ill, disabled, handicapped or a bright pious nerd is not a sin, it is just a fact. There’s no need to object strenuously when people point out one or another of our abnormalities.
He taught all us kids and his parishioners, how to live comfortably, joyously, and without fear, in the body and mind, soul and spirit, with our particular mix of abilities and disabilities, gifts, talents, and callings granted by God, was his lesson. He brought Jesus and scripture alive and into our lives. Jesus and scripture became friends and mentors under his teachings, more realistic than a mass of words on a pieces of paper. If there were an example of that one-of-a-kind (but aren’t we all originals?) Exuberant Priest, Father David was the textbook.
He was gentle, kind, funny, not so soft-spoken, exotic and eccentric, and he really knew his faith and scripture. Each of us, who he taught had his attention and respect, so long as we had done our reading and our praying, and came prepared and willing to contribute.
I lapped it up like a thirsty kitten does a saucer of milk. I sought out Father David's insights in his homilies. But even more, I was learning from watching him. He was as eccentric and strong spoken as they come about is faith, and scriptures, he was brilliant with both.
Father David always seemed to be very comfortable in his own skin in every situation. I envied him. I had spent lots of energy, for as long as I could remember, trying to get normal and average, and when it became obvious even to me that was never going to happen, trying to at least "pass" normal and average. The not-very-successful facades were getting harder and harder to maintain. Father David in his traditionalism was obviously at least as "abnormal" as me, probably much more so, but he had no need to cover it up or brush it off, or even to flaunt it; it was just a part of who he was.
I wanted to find out how he did that. So I started dropping by his office, at first to discuss points from the latest gossip (or at least on that pretext), and eventually he became my spiritual director for the last two years of high school, until he moved to Ft. Madison.
Father David was a man who always knew what phonies most of us are, he often spoke of people who were willing to send money to a distant Mother Teresa "but who ignored or would not give there money, time, aide or help to the poor, scorned, elderly, ill and/or disabled and their over burdened families financially, emotionally or spiritualy only a few doors or blocks away."
Those truths and teachings, those years spent with Father David and his teachings, help me grow in my faith daily and to bring my faith alive in my heart and my life, for this I will be forever greatful. "
He taught all us kids and his parishioners, how to live comfortably, joyously, and without fear, in the body and mind, soul and spirit, with our particular mix of abilities and disabilities, gifts, talents, and callings granted by God, was his lesson. He brought Jesus and scripture alive and into our lives. Jesus and scripture became friends and mentors under his teachings, more realistic than a mass of words on a pieces of paper. If there were an example of that one-of-a-kind (but aren’t we all originals?) Exuberant Priest, Father David was the textbook.
He was gentle, kind, funny, not so soft-spoken, exotic and eccentric, and he really knew his faith and scripture. Each of us, who he taught had his attention and respect, so long as we had done our reading and our praying, and came prepared and willing to contribute.
I lapped it up like a thirsty kitten does a saucer of milk. I sought out Father David's insights in his homilies. But even more, I was learning from watching him. He was as eccentric and strong spoken as they come about is faith, and scriptures, he was brilliant with both.
Father David always seemed to be very comfortable in his own skin in every situation. I envied him. I had spent lots of energy, for as long as I could remember, trying to get normal and average, and when it became obvious even to me that was never going to happen, trying to at least "pass" normal and average. The not-very-successful facades were getting harder and harder to maintain. Father David in his traditionalism was obviously at least as "abnormal" as me, probably much more so, but he had no need to cover it up or brush it off, or even to flaunt it; it was just a part of who he was.
I wanted to find out how he did that. So I started dropping by his office, at first to discuss points from the latest gossip (or at least on that pretext), and eventually he became my spiritual director for the last two years of high school, until he moved to Ft. Madison.
Father David was a man who always knew what phonies most of us are, he often spoke of people who were willing to send money to a distant Mother Teresa "but who ignored or would not give there money, time, aide or help to the poor, scorned, elderly, ill and/or disabled and their over burdened families financially, emotionally or spiritualy only a few doors or blocks away."
Those truths and teachings, those years spent with Father David and his teachings, help me grow in my faith daily and to bring my faith alive in my heart and my life, for this I will be forever greatful. "
All Saints Parish wrote on Mar 24, 2008 7:10 PM:
" Rev. Fr. Christopher J. David
Oct. 23, 1965 - March 21, 2008
Rev. Fr. Christopher James David, 42, of Keokuk, who grew up in Clinton, passed away Good Friday, March 21, 2008, in Keokuk, IA.
On March 31, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. a memorial service will be held at All Saints Parish, 310 S. 9th St. Keokuk, IA for Rev. Fr. Christopher James David. Everyone is invited and encourage to attend. "
Oct. 23, 1965 - March 21, 2008
Rev. Fr. Christopher James David, 42, of Keokuk, who grew up in Clinton, passed away Good Friday, March 21, 2008, in Keokuk, IA.
On March 31, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. a memorial service will be held at All Saints Parish, 310 S. 9th St. Keokuk, IA for Rev. Fr. Christopher James David. Everyone is invited and encourage to attend. "
Jim Cameron wrote on Mar 24, 2008 7:23 PM:
" My sympathies go out to the family of Father David. I wish to thank you for all the beautiful and wonderful memories you shared with both myself and all our friends.
I will continue to follow through on the faith filled teachings that you have instilled in all of us.
The Blessed Virgin Mary will always be more beautiful in our lives because of the way you honored Her in your life. "
I will continue to follow through on the faith filled teachings that you have instilled in all of us.
The Blessed Virgin Mary will always be more beautiful in our lives because of the way you honored Her in your life. "
Patrick Mayer wrote on Mar 25, 2008 1:49 PM:
" Chris was my best friend in High school. Most of my best memories from this time involved him. I remember the time we both had leads in the school musical. He was supposed to hand me a blank piece of paper in which I was to pretend it was a contract and read it. On closong night, It wasn't blank, it read, "Don't look now your zipper's down." I looked it wsn't down. He was very funny and a great prankster.
He was extremely talented, smart and fun-loving. He could have been anything he wanted. He could sing, and act. He could have been a rocket scientist or a politician. He insted gave his life to serve God and the church.
I did not have much contact with him after high school. I admired him for his choices and committments. He was definately put on this planet to help others. He made everyone I know, who knew him, happy. I have read many of the guest book entries and see now what I already knew. His life had a huge positive impact on everyone who met him.
I wish I had not procrastinated in contacting him more often. I regret letting my "busy" life keep me from hanging out with my best friend more often. I guess I thought he would always be around.
I look forward to being with him in Heaven, and will miss him more now, knowing that I have no control over contacting him until then.
My deepest sympathy to his family, (Mom and Laura) and everyone who was a part of his most recent days. I know how much you will miss him and know what he means to all of you.
Very few people have an eternal impact on those around him. Chris (Father David's) life did. His life has positive consequences that will live on forever. His life was pleasing to God and gave God much glory. "
He was extremely talented, smart and fun-loving. He could have been anything he wanted. He could sing, and act. He could have been a rocket scientist or a politician. He insted gave his life to serve God and the church.
I did not have much contact with him after high school. I admired him for his choices and committments. He was definately put on this planet to help others. He made everyone I know, who knew him, happy. I have read many of the guest book entries and see now what I already knew. His life had a huge positive impact on everyone who met him.
I wish I had not procrastinated in contacting him more often. I regret letting my "busy" life keep me from hanging out with my best friend more often. I guess I thought he would always be around.
I look forward to being with him in Heaven, and will miss him more now, knowing that I have no control over contacting him until then.
My deepest sympathy to his family, (Mom and Laura) and everyone who was a part of his most recent days. I know how much you will miss him and know what he means to all of you.
Very few people have an eternal impact on those around him. Chris (Father David's) life did. His life has positive consequences that will live on forever. His life was pleasing to God and gave God much glory. "
Memorial Masses wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:53 AM:
" Rev. Fr. Christopher James David
Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:13 AM CDT
Rev. Fr. Christopher James David, 42, of Keokuk, who grew up in Clinton, passed away Good Friday, March 21, 2008, in Keokuk.
A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday at All Saints Catholic Church, Keokuk. Everyone is invited and encourage to attend.
A mass in memory of Rev. Fr. Christopher David also is being planned in Fort Madison on Tuesday Arpil 1 at 6 pm.
"
Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:13 AM CDT
Rev. Fr. Christopher James David, 42, of Keokuk, who grew up in Clinton, passed away Good Friday, March 21, 2008, in Keokuk.
A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday at All Saints Catholic Church, Keokuk. Everyone is invited and encourage to attend.
A mass in memory of Rev. Fr. Christopher David also is being planned in Fort Madison on Tuesday Arpil 1 at 6 pm.
"
stephanie berkebile wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:53 AM:
" Fr. Chris:
Though you touched our lives for but a moment during a blizzard in Davenport, IA in January, 1999, you left a profound mark. Perhaps this is a story you did not share, but it will give a few people a good chuckle, and gives me a great memory to share!
I am living in MN now, but I grew up in Davenport, IA. So, when it was time, my brother and sister-in-law, and myself and my husband, came to you seeking baptism for our sons (mine is Andrew Berkebile and my brother's is Jakob Masterson) at Our Lady of Victory in Davenport. It was a terrible day with blizzard conditions that were only slowly improving! When we got to the church, we had to come find you, as the baptism had slipped your mind. When we found you, you were distressed because the church was in the midst of renovations and the baptismal font had been moved to the school. You thought for a moment about what to do, but always one to come up with creative solutions, you disappeared and came back with a 1970's vintage orange tupperware bowl full of water. You blessed the water and baptized our sons from that orange bowl! It is a story that we still laugh about today, and we tell our sons that even though they were babies and won't remember, we will always remember their baptism!
On a side note, my Andrew who will be turn 10 yeras old very shortly, had surgery this week. We thank Fr. Chris for helping to keep him safe and know that Andrew has another guardian angel looking out for him.
Thank you God for blessing us with the gift of Fr. Chris. We have missed seeing you, pray for you often, and we look forward to seeing you again one day. "
Though you touched our lives for but a moment during a blizzard in Davenport, IA in January, 1999, you left a profound mark. Perhaps this is a story you did not share, but it will give a few people a good chuckle, and gives me a great memory to share!
I am living in MN now, but I grew up in Davenport, IA. So, when it was time, my brother and sister-in-law, and myself and my husband, came to you seeking baptism for our sons (mine is Andrew Berkebile and my brother's is Jakob Masterson) at Our Lady of Victory in Davenport. It was a terrible day with blizzard conditions that were only slowly improving! When we got to the church, we had to come find you, as the baptism had slipped your mind. When we found you, you were distressed because the church was in the midst of renovations and the baptismal font had been moved to the school. You thought for a moment about what to do, but always one to come up with creative solutions, you disappeared and came back with a 1970's vintage orange tupperware bowl full of water. You blessed the water and baptized our sons from that orange bowl! It is a story that we still laugh about today, and we tell our sons that even though they were babies and won't remember, we will always remember their baptism!
On a side note, my Andrew who will be turn 10 yeras old very shortly, had surgery this week. We thank Fr. Chris for helping to keep him safe and know that Andrew has another guardian angel looking out for him.
Thank you God for blessing us with the gift of Fr. Chris. We have missed seeing you, pray for you often, and we look forward to seeing you again one day. "
Katie wrote on Mar 31, 2008 9:11 PM:
" Fr. Chris was always ready to greet you with a smile no matter where you saw him at. I helped with several youth retreats along with fr. chris and always found myself amazed by his ability to connect with anyone. He will be greatly missed and my sympathy goes out to his family. "
Richard Killian wrote on Mar 24, 2008 4:52 PM:
It was monetary or anything like that. It was an idea and an image of a person I wanted to be. Every day I try my best to achieve this goal and in that Fr. David will always be remembered and has touched my life in one of the most profound ways ever.
Thank you Fr. David for bringing God into me, because of you I know I'll see you again someday and me, you, and Jesus will have a good laugh. Love, Rick Kilian "