David Kevin Killinger

David Kevin Killinger, 64, Circus Music Conductor and Teacher

David Kevin Killinger, a brilliant musician, devoted family man, and lifelong teacher and showman, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Brandon, Florida. He was 64.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, David was the youngest son of Karl and Evelyn Killinger. He grew up in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, in the family's Beaverdale Brick home, where music and laughter filled the air for more than 50 years. He was a proud third-generation music educator and circus conductor, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Henry, father Karl, uncle Keith Killinger, and aunt Wanda Killinger Darlington.

A 1979 graduate of North High School, David was a rare three-year All-State trumpet player. He studied music at Drake University, where he conducted the Bulldog Brass, a featured trumpet soloist with the Drake Band, Des Moines Municipal Band, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Band, and was the first President of the CJC Jazz Band. He was also a longtime member of Local 75 of the Des Moines Musicians Union.

From a young age, David was immersed in the world of live performance. During summer breaks, he and his family toured North America with circus and show bands-experiences that fueled his passion for music and adventure. Between shows, they camped and hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park, a family tradition.

At age 21, he was named leader of the Ronald McDonald Circus Band during its successful 1982 Canadian tour. He later returned to Des Moines to teach music at Lincoln High School from 1983 to 1990, including three memorable years co-teaching with his father.

In 1990, David "ran away to join the circus", becoming Musical Conductor for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus (a role once held by his uncle Keith). Within the next 30 years he was promoted to Musical Director for Feld Entertainment, overseeing the creation and recording of music soundtracks for more than 35 international productions, including Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live! Disney Live! and Jurassic World Live. His work reached audiences in over 75 countries, and he conducted and recorded with orchestras around the world, leaving a legacy of music that will resonate for generations.

David was known for his photographic memory, jovial spirit, sharp wit, and generous heart. He was deeply kind and fiercely loyal-whether leading a band, mentoring young musicians, touring the world, or spending quiet moments with his family, he made others feel seen, valued, and inspired. He was also a proud Mason and member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners.

He is survived by his wife, Marina Khouan (a former circus performer); daughter, Kristina; and grandchildren, Katya and Andrey. He also leaves behind his siblings: Dennis (Rose) of Tampa, FL; Kerry (Linda) of Seattle, WA; and Karla (Scott Blacketer) of Urbandale, IA; as well as his aunts and uncle: Wanda Darlington (Bobby Barnhardt) of Sarasota, FL, and Kathryn Killinger of Nokomis, FL. David is also remembered by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Evelyn Killinger of Des Moines; and his uncles, Keith Killinger, Ed Darlington, and James Wooldridge.

David will be remembered not only for his extraordinary musical career, but for the love and laughter he shared so generously. His music played on the grandest stages and its echoes will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Rest in peace, David. The show will go on, but it will never be the same without you.

The family will hold a memorial service/celebration of life at a later date.