David Kearney

David Norman Kearney, much loved hubby, dad, & friend, passed away in his home after church on Sunday, April 13th. His family times are filled with love, music, fun, food & happy memories. He was born on May 7th, 1960 in Vancouver, Washington, to Mary Ellen Stewart & Edgar David Kearney. David grew up surrounded by the love of his two siblings, Deborah Lisk & Michael Kearney. In a Pastor’s home, his family was heavily focused on ministry & entertained a string of missionaries & evangelists. They never missed a church service, fellowship meeting or family camp!

Dave & Lisa met in Drain in grade school and grew up together. Picture teenage Lisa swinging in the park. Dave pulled up in his dad’s ratty pickup, loaded with yard debris, & yelled out the window, “Hey! You wanna ride to the dump with me?!” She flew out of that swing! Their “first date” turned into a lifetime crammed full of loads of laughter, heartfelt worship, & tons of fun! A graduate of North Douglas High School in 1978, David pursued further studies & music ministry at Conquerors Bible College for two years, where he played the drums for SELAH traveling across the United States. On September 13th, 1980, he married his sweetie & soulmate, Lisa Rhee Fleming.

Faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of David’s life. In junior high he played drums for his high school band. Dave brought rhythm & joy to worship services at his home church & especially got a kick out of drumming at UPCI church conferences. He was a founding member of New Life UPCI in Salem & served on the Board of Directors for over 17 years. His love for music extended to playing the acoustic guitar & jamming with his entire family at every shindig.

Dave was a welder, backyard mechanic, & enjoyed hard work. While living on the Oregon coast, he owned his own log truck, beginning his 33-year trucking career. Work led his family to Silverton where he drove a fuel tanker before retiring 9 years ago. With a tool in his hand & grease under his fingernails, he was often working on his big rig, dirt bike, quad, sand rail, or dune buggy. His recent favorite pastimes were spending time with his two daughters Sarah & Hannah, lovin’ on his dog Piper, building his pole barn in the backyard with his father-in-law & restoring his ‘63 Chevy pickup.

David took great pride in his role as a family man. He led by example while homeschooling Sarah & Hannah through his values of hard work, unconditional love, & faith. He had an infectious sense of humor, but couldn’t tell a joke without blowing the punchline! He was always finding a way to bring laughter & light to his family. Some of our best memories include beach trips, family reunions, & 8 road trips to Disney, where Goofy became a family favorite!

Dave is survived by his “awesomesauce” wife of 44 ½ years, Lisa Rhee; his children, Sarah Rhee (John) Ward & Hannah Beth (Caleb) Starr; & his siblings, Deborah Lisk & Michael Kearney. He was predeceased by his parents, Edgar & Mary.

David’s entire life is a testimony to the healing power of Jesus. If the Lord would let us look into Heaven today, we’d hear Him say, “Take a deep breath Dave. Let’s run!”

Memorial contributions can be made to the New Life UPCI building Fund, where David loved to give special offerings at his home church.

https://newlifeupc.faithteams.com/give