David Joseph McCausland

DAVID JOSEPH McCAUSLAND

LAKELAND - David Joseph McCausland was born August 12, 1945, to Joseph James and Ruth Thurnau McCausland in St. Louis, Missouri. At an early age, David moved with his parents to central Florida and lived most of his childhood in the Crystal Lake community in Lakeland. In 1964, David graduated from Lakeland Senior High School, where he played on the Dreadnaughts football team. After serving in the U.S. Navy, David attended Alexander City (Alabama) Community College and Polk Community College (currently Polk State College). In 1968, David married Virginia 'Ginger' Chappell, and together they raised two daughters. David enjoyed a long career as an industrial electrician, including years of service with IMC Agrico, ER Yanah Industries, and A&E Electric Company. In 1996, upon finding themselves with an empty nest, David and Ginger moved to London, England, where David worked for the Guinness brewery and Johnson Controls. Later, they moved to New York City, where David worked as a director of facility operations for the Staten Island Yankees. David was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Virginia 'Ginger' for 42 years, until her death in 2011. Happily, David found love again, and married Betty Jean Maddox Monroe, of Lakeland, Florida, with whom he enjoyed traveling and frequent adventures, including many trips to visit grandchildren.
David died suddenly in an automobile accident on November 6, 2015 in north Lakeland.
David was a proud Floridian who enjoyed Florida history, SEC football, many types of music (especially classic country and James Taylor), photography, non-fiction, and exploring all types of museums and botanical gardens. He was the family Trivial Pursuit champion and a lover of dogs, especially his beloved Golden Retriever, Liga who was his constant companion. During his retirement in Lake Wales and Lakeland, David enjoyed fishing from his pontoon boat, DIY home repair projects, and road trips to visit family and friends. Above all, David was devoted to his family, and to helping anyone in need. He was committed to doing what was right, and will always be remembered for countless acts of kindness, small and large.
David was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Chappell McCausland. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Maddox Monroe of Lakeland; daughter Jessica McCausland Fisher and son-in-law Thomas Fisher II of Dunedin, Florida; daughter Heather McCausland Honerkamp and son-in-law Robert Honerkamp of Singapore; brother Timothy McCausland and sister-in-law Sharon McCausland of Bartow, Florida; granddaughters, Claire McCausland Fisher, Gemma Charlotte Honerkamp, and Sophie Annabelle Honerkamp. David is also survived by his step-daughter, Annisa Monroe; step-son, Steve Monroe; step-daughter-in-law, Megan Monroe; step-son, Travis Monroe; step-daughter-in-law, Madeline Monroe; and step-grandchildren, Heath Monroe, Lochlan Robert Monroe, Bridgette Anne Monroe, and Francis William Carl Monroe.
A memorial service will be held the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Campfire youth leadership organization, at 2600 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland, Florida, (863) 688-5491, http://www.campfire-sunshine.org/ or to Bok Tower Gardens, (863) 734-1212, www.boktowergardens. org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate/ .
Condolences may be sent to
www.heathfuneralchapel.com .