David L. McGalliard

DALEVILLE – David L. McGalliard, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, November 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 5, 1948, in Muncie, the son of George W. McGalliard and Wanda A. (Schlenker) McGalliard. He graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1966. He was drafted and served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an E-5 Sergeant, Crew Chief on a 105 mm howitzer in the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) on firebases along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, A Shau Valley.
On October 2, 1971, he married the love of his life, Linda L. Gentry. He received his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Ball State University.
David was a beloved educator. He taught art at Madison Grant School Corporation in Fairmount for two years before moving to Yorktown Community Schools where he taught for 33 years. There he taught art, computers, and pioneered classes for gifted and talented students. He began by volunteering his time after school to work with gifted students in a multidisciplinary, student-driven program. This got the attention of the school board and built awareness of the need for gifted education. In the early 1980s, the corporation's high ability program launched, and he served as its first teacher in the elementary grades, as well as the first corporation coordinator of the K-12 program. Former students speak fondly of his creativity, humor, encouragement, and patience, as well as his positive influence on their lives and careers.
In 2005, he was named "Outstanding Teacher for the Gifted" by the Indiana Association for Gifted Education. He was also presented with the "Hero Among Us" award by Ball State University. He received an honorary "Doctorate of Leadership in Education" award from Indiana University School of Education Gabbard Institute. He retired in 2006. In 2023, he received "The John E. Worthen Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education" from the Indiana Academy of Science, Mathematics, and Humanities.
In his retirement, he enjoyed pursuing photography and art. He became a member of Exchange Club of Muncie where he was elected president twice. He served as the Indiana Exchange Club President in 2020-2021. He was a life member of the 101st Airborne Association and The American Legion.
Surviving are his wife, Linda L. McGalliard of Daleville; daughter, Jennifer Marsh (husband, John) of Muncie; three grandchildren-Daniel Marsh of Indianapolis, Lillian Marsh of St. Petersburg, FL and Spencer Marsh of Muncie; brother, Dennis McGalliard (wife Jane) of Redding, CA; niece, Sarah Holmgren (husband Zach) of Sarasota, FL; nephew, Christopher McGalliard (wife Kenna) of Alhambra, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation will take place. On Saturday, December 14, 2024, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., with family visitation to follow from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Both will be held at the Wheeling Avenue Church of the Nazarene, 4600 N. Wheeling Avenue, Muncie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Heart of Indiana United Way, 400 N High Street, Suite 300, Muncie IN 47305. www.heartofindiana.org
The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street, is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.