David Charles Face

David Charles Face passed away peacefully at home on January 30,

2026, at the age of 96. Just a few weeks earlier, he had celebrated his

96th birthday surrounded by all of his children-an occasion that

meant the world to him.

David was born on January 17, 1930, in Michigan-"on a COLD day,"

as he loved to say, repeating the story of how his mother always

reminded him just how cold it was when he arrived. As a small child,

David moved with his family to Hawthorne, California, and later to

Riverside, where he attended and graduated from Poly High School.

After high school, David proudly joined the United States Air Force.

His service was cut short due to a medical retirement, but his pride in

serving never left him.

David met the love of his life, Shirley, through his sister, ZoAnn

Smerber. Shirley and ZoAnn were close friends-soon to become

sisters-in-law. David and Shirley married in July 1956 and built the

home where they would share more than 60 years of marriage and

memories in Colton, California.

David went on to build a long, successful career with Trans World

Airlines (TWA), working as an Account Executive for more than 37

years. He became well known for his humor-often walking into a

client's o ce with a joke ready, always looking to bring a laugh. Even

after retirement, he continued sharing jokes with former colleagues

through emails, keeping those connections and that laughter alive.

Through his career, David and Shirley enjoyed traveling to many

countries together. After retirement, they continued to travel-still by

plane, but also enjoying the relaxation and adventure of cruising.

Music was another lifelong passion. David played trombone in high

school, continued in the military band, and later joined the Riverside

Community Band. Music gave him a way to connect with others and

share his love of performance for many years.

As David and Shirley grew older, they sold their home and moved into

the backyard casita at Ron and ZoAnn Peterson's house. It gave

them independence, along with the comfort and security of having

family close by.

David will be remembered most for his humor and his deep

appreciation for life. Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he

never lost his sense of humor. He had a way of answering questions

with questions-always making it make sense, and always making

people smile. He remained a joy to be with until his last day. He

greeted each morning with a booming "GOOD MORNING!" and

ended each day with, "Thank you for the day!" He treasured every

visit with family and friends, and after someone left, he would talk

about what a nice visit it had been, grateful for the time together.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Face; his

daughter Marquita Ru ner; his parents, Olyn Keith Face and Collette

Face; his brothers, Richard, Herman, and Gary; and his sisters,

Maxine Carrera and Marquita Geisler.

He is survived by his seven children: Tom (Annette) Face, Theresa

(Scott) Roach, Michael (Debbie) Face, ZoAnn (Ron) Peterson,

Michelle (Mike) Belicki, Brian Face, and Scott (Melissa) Face; 17

grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and his sister, ZoAnn Smerber.

Services will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at Christ the

Redeemer Church in Grand Terrace, California.

Rosary: 9:30 a.m.

Mass: 10:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Riverside National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

A reception will be held at the home of Ron and ZoAnn Peterson

following the burial.