David M. Liggett, III

David M. Liggett III, was born on May 3, 1968, in Independence, Missouri to David Jr. and Kathleen Liggett. He became the newest Little Davy, proudly carrying on a family tradition as the fifth namesake after his grandad, dad, uncle and cousin on his dad’s side of the family.

He passed suddenly and unexpectedly on June 11th, 2026, in his home from natural causes.

David spent his childhood on North Liberty Street in Independence, next to Mill Creek School, with his two sisters, Jennifer, the oldest, and Ginger, the youngest. It was a great place to grow up with woods behind to explore and have adventures, school ground to ride hot wheels, bikes & skateboards, a swimming pool for all the hot Missouri summers and lots of friends in Kentucky Hills to play with. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1986. David was a proud member of Scout Troop 282 starting as a Cub Scout and becoming a warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. He loved the outdoors, camping and walking on the Little Blue Trail early every morning for 5 miles, along with doing 200 pushups a day. He enjoyed socializing at family gatherings, with 19 cousins and many loving aunts and uncles, as he made his rounds talking, laughing and finding out the latest news from family and friends with a big smile on his face.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Marlea Shultz. They met in fifth grade, and she remained the love of his life for the rest of his days. They were true soulmates.

David worked in sales most of his life, with the Kansas City Star, Comcast Cable and AT&T. He considered himself an expert salesperson. David adored his only child, Maclair and her three children, who lovingly called him “Poppo.” Kash, Jayma & Sophia who spent every other weekend with him making memories at parks, Sky Zone, Worlds of fun or simply enjoying movies and shows together at home. Whether they were out on an adventure or relaxing in the living room, David cherished every moment with them. Being a Poppo was one of his greatest joys, and he was truly in his element whenever his grandchildren were by his side. He had lots of plans for the future.

David was preceded in death by his grandparents David and Roberta Liggett; Warren and Rilma Biswell; his sister Jennifer Fisher; six cousins and 11 aunts and uncles.

David is survived by his wife Marlea; parents David Jr. and Kathleen Liggett; sister Ginger Duckworth; daughter Maclair Spruill and husband DJ; grandchildren Kash, Jayma and Sophia, as well as his bonus grandchildren Dominic, Audrey, and Olivia; his nephews Tyler (Kalin), and Mickey (Raegan); nieces Kaitlynn Fisher-Gouge and Liliana Duckworth; as well as six great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11am, Friday, June 19, 2026, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133. Reception at Mike Onka Hall: 11520 Puman St, Sugar Creek, MO 64054, all are welcome. Private interment at Mound Grove Cemetery at a later date.