David John "Big D" Koehler

David John “Big D” Koehler, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on February 5, 2026, from Hodgkins Lymphoma, peacefully surrounded with family and friends at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, just 6 days before his 79th birthday. He was born on February 11, 1947, to Anthony and Ruth (Anich) Koehler, in Sterling, Colorado.

He was affectionately known as “Big D” to those around him—a nickname that reflected not only his physical presence but also the strength of his personality and the depth of his impact on others. His talents were many and varied, and he pursued them with quiet confidence and an unwavering work ethic.

From an early age, he demonstrated a natural aptitude for working with his hands and solving problems—skills that would become qualities of his character throughout his life. Known for his ability to fix just about anything, Dave approached every challenge with creativity and resolve. If something seemed unfixable at first glance, he would find a way—embodying his favorite saying: “Don’t ever say you can’t do something, as “I can't” should not be in your vocabulary.

A man of many passions, Dave found joy in traveling, fishing, camping with family and friends, and supporting the Denver Broncos.

Dave was a man of many talents. Being raised on a farm, his Dad was a big influence yet he also self-taught himself on how to work on vehicles and farm equipment with his brothers. He had numerous occupations from OTR Truck Driver, Car Salesman, to a Machinist and Tool and Die Maker in Colorado and for the Aircraft Industry in California and Kansas. He also enjoyed designing and building unique aquariums that were displayed in numerous homes and businesses. He loved building things and electronics. After injuring his back, he switched career directions and started a new chapter of entrepreneurship with his family which progressed into the food business service as a food concessionaire participating at fairs and festivals in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Florida and Oklahoma. The business known as Chubbs & Spudds is something he and Paula thoroughly enjoyed for 30 years. After retiring, his past time was watching the YouTube Channel. Anything from religion, mechanics, (watching Derek on Vice Grip Garage), to computers and so much more.

Dave married young and later divorced, but to this marriage he had 4 children: Rick, Tanjee, Shay and Mistee. In 1979, he moved to California where he met the love of his life, Paula Mayhew. In 1982, they married in Las Vegas, Nevada, and together they shared 46 wonderful years.

Dave is survived by his wife of the home, Paula Mayhew Koehler; sons, Chad Persing of Plainville, KS, Rick Koehler and Shay Koehler; daughters, Tanjee Eubanks (Cliff) of Loveland, CO and Mistee Maupin (Jose) of Greeley, CO; four brothers, Dennis Koehler (Jana Rae) of Fleming, CO, Doug Koehler (Lynn) of Sterling, CO, Thomas Koehler of Fleming, CO and Jeff Koehler (Joe); sister-in-law, Carol Pywell of Palco, KS; nine grandchildren: Brea Koehler-Mese (Robert), Eric Stansbury (Andrea) of Greeley, CO, Ariel Stansbury of Loveland, CO, Kane Persing of Hastings, Nebraska, Chance Maupin Parshall of North Dakota, Colten Maupin (Katherine) Minot of North Dakota, Coy Maupin, Canin Maupin, Christian Maupin all of Greeley Colorado; six great-grandchildren: Kamden, Brenna and Harper Mese, Makai Emhovick, Grayson Stansbury, and Alaska Maupin; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. His legacy lives on and through all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Ruth (Anich) Koehler; father and mother-in-law, Paul and June Mayhew; brothers-in-law, Gary Mayhew and Richard Pywell.

We invite you to join us in honoring his life at a Celebration of Life Service that will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the VFW, 105 S. Jefferson St. in Plainville, KS. Big D cherished his family and friends, and nothing would have brought him more joy than seeing them gathered together sharing stories in remembrance. Join us for food, fellowship and stories as we celebrate the remarkable person Big D was.... with love, laughter and lasting memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to David Koehler Memorial Fund and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.