David Loren Wisdom

It is with great sadness to share that David Wisdom passed away June 14, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 52. David was born to his parents Robert Wisdom and Susan Cunningham on September 14, 1972, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

David is and always will be an inspiration to everyone who loved him and knew him. David was raised in a family of several siblings, and he never once faltered as a brother. His father Robert Wisdom was at the forefront in David’s upbringing by creating a childhood and life for him that was inclusive and filled with love and joy. David went on ski trips annually. If his siblings were skiing, riding go carts, riding mopeds, swimming, riding horses, so was David. David traveled the world with his family. He vacationed in Jamaica, Cancun, Florida, the Bahamas, Colorado, Texas, California, and Las Vegas. His father made sure that there were no differences between him and his siblings. This enabled David to have a fulfilled life.

David had a fierce love for his family, sports and friends that was unwavering. His determination and drive is an inspiration that will live on forever.

David was a 1991 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. When David was in High School, he was the water boy and assistant coach for the Poplar Bluff Mules football team. He once told the coaches to make the football players practice for two extra hours and guess what - they practiced two extra hours! Actually until 9:30 p.m.! David made sure he took his football team that year an undefeated season. Coach Bruce, Coach Brown, Coach Case, Coach Webber, Coach Sievers always made sure that David had authority and options to coach his football team.

When David was older, he had a dream to be the water boy for the Chiefs. He would walk to Derek Thomas’ house (who lived in our neighborhood) and after several times knocking on the door and ringing the doorbell, Derek finally answered the door. Even though David was not able to get on the Chiefs football field, he developed a friendship with Derek and his butler.

David loved sports - especially KU and Alabama! He could tell you stats and remember details about games that blew everyone’s minds. His memory was impeccable. We always joked about not telling David anything you didn’t want repeated because he would remember every detail.

David always had dreams and one of his dreams was to race in the Tour de France and beat Lance Armstrong. His father was able to arrange for David to meet Lance. David was so excited. He had other dreams of winning hot dog eating contests and tea drinking contests. David also had dreams of building and working in a greenhouse. But what he mostly wanted to do is compete in the Special Olympics. His father was able to make those dreams come true as David played basketball in the Special Olympics.

David was always with his family. He loved going to the casino with his sister Kristin, and spending time with his niece Talia and his brother-in-law Michel. He loved spending time with his sister Erica, brother-in-law Tim and his niece Francesca. David loved to be with his mom Susan. One of his favorite things to do was go to the bookstore to look at sports magazines and drink a mocha cappuccino.

David was an icon at the City Market in Kansas City. His father Robert Wisdom made sure that David was picked up and dropped off for work every day. David worked for his father and had his own produce stand. David loved his job. He also loved the Carollo family and the Donze family who work at the Market. Everyone knew David as “Big Dave”. He was truly loved.

There are so many memories of David. His family, friends and everyone who knew him had a special bond with him. Everyone who knew him has a story to tell and has special and amazing moments with him. The moments and memories will live on for eternity.

David will forever be alive in our hearts and his wonderful memories. He will live on through the inspiration that he gave to so many people. He was a true angel and if you knew David Loren Wisdom, you were truly blessed.

Remaining to cherish David’s memory are his father Robert Wisdom; his mother Susan Cunningham; his siblings Kristin Ziade, Erica Wisdom, Benjamin Wisdom and Brittnee Maggio; and his nieces Francesca Wisdom Graham and Talia Ziade.

Services will be held at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. Family and friends will gather for Visitations on Thursday, July 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, July 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. David’s funeral will be 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at the Funeral Home, followed by entombment at Mount Olivet Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Timothy Sexton, Marty Lawrence, Brian Wisdom, and David Hernandez.

We will always and forever love you Big Dave. You will always be the best son, brother and uncle in the world.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com