David Ivan Munger

Obituary For David Ivan Munger

David Ivan Munger, 85, of Arrey, New Mexico, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness on Saturday, September 16, 2023, surrounded by friends and family. David was born to Wallace Ivan Munger and Naoma Mae Heaton on February 16, 1938, in Ravenna, Michigan.

As a boy David loved the outdoors and would often head out into the woods for days at a time with his friends. David was an excellent student and graduated from Ravenna High School near the top of his class. After graduation David met the first love of his life, Ileane Shumaker, at a high school basketball game. They were married and remained together until her passing in 2004. David successfully completed a Tool and Die Maker Apprenticeship sponsored by Brunswick in Muskegon, MI and became a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. A lifelong learner, David obtained an Associate Applied Science (Electronics) degree taking night classes from Muskegon Community College with a 4.0 GPA. David transitioned from Brunswick to Fleet Engineering where he worked as a Product Design Engineer until his retirement in 1998. During his career at Fleet Engineering David was listed as inventor on multiple United States Patents. In retirement David moved to Arrey, New Mexico to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. David met Sylvia Gillespie, the next love of his life, in Arrey and they began their life together in 2008, remaining together until his passing. David liked nothing more than doting on his grandchildren and extended family and providing community service through the Sierra County Genealogical Society and the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Aerie 4308 Arrey, NM). David was named Eagle of the Year in 2016 for his service. David’s interests included photography, computer science, genealogy, woodworking, travel, and especially family.

David was predeceased by his wife, Ileane; and his sister, Judy Munger. Surviving family include his partner, Sylvia Gillespie; children: James Munger (Lesley), and Pam Luce (Richard); and Grandchildren [Great Grandchildren]: Chance Munger (Nathalie), Race Munger, Kimberly Scott (Daniel) [Jeremy, Justin, Dustin, Danny, Sara], David Adkins (Jenny) [Andrew, Ryan, Arthur, Lily], Charlie Adkins (Kaycee) [Christian], Leah Plaatje (Kyle) [Zachary, Christina], Brianna Gillespie [Nathaniel, Jadelyn], Chelsey Gillespie, Garrett Gillespie (Sara), Shania Montoya (Robert) [Mia]; Siblings: Molly Fuller (George), Douglas Munger (Ginger), Roger Munger (Marilyn), and Larry Munger (Janet).

Services will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Kirikos Funeral Home, Inc., 303 Cedar St., Truth or Consequences, NM. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Truth or Consequences Animal Shelter, 1101 Cedar St, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901.

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