David J. French, age 65, of Salina, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Wichita.  He was born in Dade County, Florida on August 14, 1951, to John Merrill and Bonnie (McGrath) French.

He graduated from Miami Coral Park Senior High School in Florida and then attended Jr. College before enlisting in the Air Force in 1972. He met Sandra Lea (Newcomer) and was united in marriage on January 3, 1975, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney.  After serving in the Persion Gulf War and 20 years of service he was honorably discharged.

After retirement, he moved to Salina and worked for Salina Regional Medical Center as a registrar. David loved fishing and working out at the gym.  You would often find him washing and waxing his favorite vehicle.

Survivors include three sons, Cory of Wakeeney, Lance and wife Mu of Daegu, Korea, Gary and wife Kristin of Steamboat Springs; Colorado, a daughter Melanie and husband AJ Shehata of Junction City, Kansas; four grandchildren Kennan French, Michaella French, Caidan French and Layla Shehata; two sisters, Becky (Brad) Wilson, North Carolina and Vicky French, Palm Bay, Florida.

David was preceded in death by his parents; wife and two brothers Dwight and Daniel French.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney.  Burial will follow in the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, WaKeeney with military honors.

Visitation will be Tuesday, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a vigil to follow at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church or Disabled American Veterans.  Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12 ^th , WaKeeney, Ks  67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guestbook on this page.