David N. Carnithan

David N. Carnithan, 76, life-long resident of Rock Island, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Thursday, May 11 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. A funeral service will be held 10 am Friday, May 12 at Edgewood Baptist Church, 2704 38th Street, Rock Island. The funeral may be viewed via live-stream by visiting https://vimeo.com/824229537.  The recorded version may also be viewed by visiting the same link later on.  Burial will take place at Greenview Cemetery, East Moline. Memorials may be made in care of Edgewood Baptist Church – Growth Fund, Friendship Manor, Augustana College or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

David was born December 11, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Joseph K. and Mildred (Bowles) Carnithan. He graduated from Rock Island High School (’64). He lettered in swimming and swam across the Mississippi River twice as a teen, and while serving as a lifeguard at Aqualetic Swim Club, saved the life of a child. David, an artist and cartoonist, attended Blackhawk College prior to working at IH Farmall, where he was a proud member of the UAW Local 1309 (1965-1984) and served as a union steward.

He married Diane Curry October 8, 1966, and together they had two children, John and Jennifer.

David served as Augustana College’s Director of Campus Security until 1993, then worked for Navistar in Indianapolis until 2002 before returning to Augustana as assistant swim coach and medical driver.

David had many interests. He was a life-long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and especially enjoyed Augustana basketball.

David received Christ as his savior in 1955 and was baptized into membership of Edgewood where he served as Deacon, Trustee, usher, Sunday School teacher and bus captain.

A faithful husband, proud father and grandfather and loyal friend, David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diane; daughter Jennifer Choi (Michael); grandchildren Tyler, Kendal, Cameron, Cade, Stella and Magdalena; siblings Jeffrey Carnithan and Melissa LeFevere and sister-in-law Jane Carnithan; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; son John David Carnithan (1971-2002); brothers Paul, Kevin and Randy; sister- and brother-in law Darlene and Don Reed.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at New Friendships Memory Care and all the excellent doctors, nurses and caregivers who took such good care of David.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com

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