David Wayne Houghtaling

David Wayne Houghtaling passed away peacefully on June 28th, 2026, surrounded by family. David was born on January 12th, 1956, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents, Jack and Shirley Houghtaling (née Davis).

David grew up in Independence, Missouri with his two brothers James and Dennis and sister Jennifer. No witnesses will testify, but legend tells us these years formed his affinity of being the jokester, a trait he only improved and polished throughout his Life. His family relocated to Cameron, Missouri in the early 70’s and David graduated from Cameron High School in 1974 and joined the United States Navy that same year. David went on to have a career at the Board of Public utilities in Kansas City, Kansas and retired in 2011.

In 1991, David married the love of his life, Michele. They spent an incredible life together, chasing adventures with the wind in their hair, exploring the Florida Keys, and holding each other’s hand through times of joy and times of sickness. It was also the little things that made them so beautiful together, like heated games of scrabble, middle of the night pancake-breakfasts, or the way Michele would say, “David Wayne!” whenever he was up to his antics.

Anyone who knew David knew he always had a joke ready, usually one terrible enough to earn an eyeroll and a reluctant laugh, but beneath the jokester was a man with a generous heart. On cold winter days when the rest of us were huddled inside, he would venture out to help people out of ditches. If ever anyone needed anything, he was quick to say, “I’m on my way” without even knowing where he was going. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved to ride his motorcycles, loved old cars, loved spending time with lifelong friends, loved his wife, and absolutely loved spending time with his grandson, Paris.

David and Paris became thick as thieves when Paris was just a toddler. From the onset, they would spend time tinkering in the garage or sitting around a bonfire. David taught Paris important life skills and… some life-skills that are better shared over a drink at the celebration of life. As Paris grew older the two of them took several road trips across the country with little more than a map, a little cash, and just enough confidence not to get too lost. Their bond remained constant until David’s very last breath.

When Michele passed away in 2019, a part of David went with her. Those of us who knew him knew he was never quite the same and never stopped living that loss. We can all take much comfort in knowing that the two of them are holding each other’s hands again.

He was preceded in death by his wife Michele Houghtaling (Girard); his parents, Jack and Shirley; his brother Dennis (Linda); and his sister Jennifer. He is survived by his daughter, Mimi Girard (Tim Baxter); his beloved grandson, Paris Girard; his brother, James (Chris); and several nieces and nephews.

David was never one for funerals and didn’t want one of his own. To honor him and the incredible life he lived, family and friends are invited to gather at the Overland Park Elks Lodge, located at 10201 West 85th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212 on Wednesday, July 8th at 6:00pm. We will raise a glass, share stories, share a prayer, break bread, and celebrate the incredible, inimitable David Wayne Houghtaling. David also was insistent we had a party at his favorite venue, Jake’s place. Be on the lookout for that date to be announced at a later time. However you choose to remember him, we know David would simply be happy to see everyone together, laughing, telling stories, enjoying each other’s company and telling a questionable joke or two.

David will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.