of Flippin, AR

November 16, 2020

(Dave) Lowell David Waggoner, 83, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, veteran, friend, and loving mentor to many, passed away on November 16, 2020 in Mountain Home, AR. He was born in Rushville, IN as the middle son of Lowell Butler and Katherine VanSickle Waggoner on December 13, 1936 with older sister Alice Katherine (Waggoner) Hedrick and younger brother Omer Samuel Waggoner, husband to Karen Walker Waggoner, who all predeceased him. He is survived by son Joseph Walker Waggoner and daughter in law Lynda Walker Waggoner of Manchester, CT, granddaughter Ashley Waggoner Cegelka and grandson in law Matthew Cegelka along with great-grandaughter Evelyn Mae Cegelka of North Haven, CT, grandson Justin Waggoner of Flushing, NY, son Jeffrey Neil Waggoner and Daughter in Law Pamela J. Sewell-Waggoner and grandchildren Amelia and Gregory Waggoner of Westminster, CO, and many, many family and friends who supported him. We will miss him.

Dave grew up in Rushville where he developed a lifelong passion for building friendships, solving problems, service to others, and leading others through humility and humor. His father operated the printing presses for the Rushville Republican for 25 years starting before WW II and he was raised in a family that volunteered in church, community, and service to the nation. Dave played the baritone, and became the Drum Major for the Rushville High School Marching Band. On graduation from High School, Dave enlisted in the US Navy. He married Karen Walker Waggoner, his High School love, on September 27th, 1957 starting a lifetime fifty-seven year marriage and partnership. Karen predeceased Dave on October 27th, 2015.

Dave went into aviation in the US Navy, reporting to his first deployment with VA-176 supporting AD-5 Skyraider aircraft on board the USS RANDOLPH (CV15) in the Mediterranean and Atlantic and at the NAS Mayport, FL. He was then assigned to VA 44 supporting AD-4 Skyraider and A4D Skyhawk aircraft at NAS Jacksonville. He attended and taught at technical schools in Millington, TN multiple times to learn his trade as an Aviation Electronics Technician (AT). Joe Waggoner was born in Millington, TN. In 1961, Dave was assigned to VAH-7, in Sanford, FL supporting A5-A Vigilante's in operations around Cuba in 1961 and 1964 as well as four deployments aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN65) in the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. Jeff Waggoner was born in Rushville, IN while Dave was in the Mediterranean on his last deployment. In June of 1968, Dave volunteered for an assignment with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron, VQ-1, ''The World Watchers,'' with relocation of family to the area around the Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Kenagawa Ken, Japan. With VQ1, Dave flew as crew chief on 144 combat and many non-combat combat missions in the Asian theater around the USSR, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and other areas in Asia in EC-121 and later EA-3J aircraft. The squadron transferred in 1971 to the Naval Air Station at Agana, Guam. Dave was one of many asked to commute in and out of war on monthly deployments that became ever longer with shorter rotations out as the Vietnam War continued, with many dangerous but non-combat missions between. In 1973, after 5 years in combat operations, he transferred and brought his family home to recruiting duty in Manchester, CT. On recruiting duty, Dave used his leadership and humanity in leadership to turn around recruiting performance for what would eventually include all of Connecticut and some areas of New York. He retired into the US Navy Fleet Reserve in 1975 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (ATCS).

Dave was successful in a number of sales and leadership roles after his duty in the US Navy while his wife, Karen returned to her vocation as an English Teacher in the Manchester Junior High and High Schools. Like so many who gave so much and many times nearly gave all, and came home to an unwelcoming America, he was troubled during these years reconciling his service with the response of so many and was active in the Vietnam Veterans of America and the work to establish the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
In 1995, Dave and Karen retired and moved to Flippin, AR to focus on community, service, and fishing and enjoying their retirement. Dave was a Free Mason for most of his adult life since his entry into the Sagamihara Masonic Lodge #13 F&AM in 1968. He was a member of the Yellville Lodge 117 where he is a Past Master, Secretary, Lodge Instructor, and was presented the Pillars of Solomon Award. He was a member of the Mountain Home Lodge 225 as well as Robert Burns Lodge 496 of Gainesville, MO. He was also a member and Knight Commander of the Court of Honor of the Scottish Rite as well as York Rite. As a Shriner, he was active in organizing the Shrine Circus and parades in Marion and Baxter County for many years to raise money for Shriner's hospital for Children. For 20+ years, Dave actively delivered and returned local families to Shriner's Hospital for Children in St. Louis for free medical care for their children with a wide variety of medical needs. He was active in the Fleet Reserve Association, in supporting Veterans through Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and volunteering with Baxter County Veterans Services.

Dave was a fierce advocate for personal independence and responsibility, a strong believer in the strength and compassion of his fellow man. He dedicated his life of service to his country, his family, and his community. He goes to a better place to be with his wife, Karen, family, and friends, confident in God's acceptance for having served his most fundamental precept: to love and support others, to give of yourself wholly, hold others accountable to be their best selves, and to see the best in yourself, others, and the world. He set a standard to which his family seeks to rise.

A memorial service will be held at Roller Funeral Home in Mountain Home, AR at a future date to be announced. Dave will ultimately be laid to rest, with full military honors, at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a future date to be announced.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.

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