David M. Liggett, III
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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 Putnam St, Sugar Creek, MO 64054, all are welcome. Private interment at Mound Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Davey, as called him growing up, was the older cooler cousin that set examples such as Boy Scouts and even some not so wholesome ones like bottle rocket fights at mill creek playground. His flame burned the brightest when surrounded by family. We should strive to keep his flame lit through our memories and continued love of family. Bless his family as we mourn his passing.
Love you Davy!! You’ll always be missed. Continue taking care of Jennifer if she needs you.
Sorry, but I guess when it’s your time, still sucks. He taught me so much and he will be missed but not forgotten.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I tried typing a few sentences but they all fell short. I cannot even imagine the grief you all are feeling! Jennifer then Davy just a month later. So so so very sorry 😢 this is from both Richard and Jackie and we are sending prayers, love, and virtual long hugs to you all 😢
I’m so sorry to hear about David’s passing. Condolences family and friends.I’m sure going to miss his smile and his delicious coffee.
What a great guy. He will truly be missed. He was always a light and an inspiration to me. I am so sorry his family’s loss.
U will be dearly missed David I remember I would see u at na meetings and u would always give me a hug and congratule me on how many days I had clean.
Condolences from his friend, Joe.
To Aunt Kathy and Uncle David, thank you for giving us Davie. I know nothing can take away the pain of losing your son, but I hope you know how deeply he was loved and how much his life mattered. He touched so many people, and the best parts of him will continue to live on through the family who loved him.
To Ginger, my heart is with you in a very personal way. I know the pain of losing a sibling, and I know that kind of loss changes something inside of you. A brother or sister carries pieces of your story that no one else can. I hope you feel surrounded by love, strength, and comfort in the days ahead.
And to Maclair, I hope you always know how much your dad loved you. The way he talked about you and his grandkids made his whole face light up. You were one of the greatest loves of his life. I hope you never question how proud he was of you, how deeply he loved you, and how much you meant to him. His love for you does not end here. It lives on in the memories, in the stories, in the parts of him you carry, and in the love he poured into you and your children.
❤️ My deepest condolences to David’s family and loved ones.
One of my favorite memories of David was running into him and his grandchildren at QuikTrip one weekend. They were all smiles and laughing together, and the joy they shared was impossible to miss. You would have thought they were spending the day at an amusement park rather than simply stopping for a drink and a snack.
The following week, I told David how much that moment had warmed my heart. Seeing the happiness between him and his grandchildren spoke volumes about the kind of man he was. His smile could light up a room, and his kindness touched so many people.
I will always remember that special moment and the happiness he brought to those around him. He will be greatly missed. ❤️
David will be missed so much by us. We loved him & his bright smile and easy laughter and always joking around with us. David was not only a great friend but he was family to us and we are proud to have known him for over 10 years. RIP David. We’ll see you on the other side ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
He always greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. He is going to be missed by so many of us.
I’m very sorry for this loss! Praying and declaring peace and understanding over David’s family and friends.
I always looked forward to David’s words of encouragement and hugs! He will be missed!
I just heard of your passing, rest in peace my friend. We got really close over the years and you even kept in touch as I moved back to Arizona. Talked with you few months ago and had no idea this would have been our last talk before you passed. Thanks for the countless hours of talks and pushing me to do things outside my comfort zone. Ill really miss you!