INDEPENDENCE – David Lee Mullnix, 66, of Independence, MO passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at St Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, MO. David was born January 31, 1955 in Independence, MO to Henry and Frances Mullnix. In his early childhood, David spent many a day splashing in the mud puddles of Atherton with his friends. His family soon moved to Blue Mills Road and he never left. David attended Fort Osage High School and graduated in 1973. A few years later, he met Kim at Southwestern Bell, where they both worked as information operators. They married on September 8, 1979 and moved into the new home David designed and built (with help from many friends) and started a family. Their two children, Steven and Chris, enjoyed country life on the“Santa Fe Trail Ranch”as their dad called it. David often joked he raised “cattle, kids and cane.” David had recently retired from his employment at Bayer Corp., and though he enjoyed his time there and made many life-long friends, his heart and soul was at home. Whether hard at work around the farm or helping a friend or neighbor in need; that is what he loved. David was an avid runner, completing three marathons before an accident nearly took his life in 1987. He was a triathlete as well and with God’s touch and strong will, David was able to continue biking for a while after he recovered. David coached assorted sports with his boys, but it was soccer that pursued him. Coaching and teaching kids for some 22 years kept him busy, with many receiving college scholarships; not to mention all the fun and memories. Restoring cars, old wagons, windmills and tractors is a sample of David’s many hobbies and phases. He was an Eagle Scout and provided camping spots on his farm for his nephew, Kevin’s troop. Many things pulled at David’s heartstrings, but none so much as his passion for veterans. He hosted lunches and dinners for his veteran friends, inviting them to “tell their story.” He never missed an opportunity to say “thank you for your service.” David often rode with the Patriot Guards, paying tribute to fallen soldiers and their families. David loved his God, his family and his friends. The many lives touched by David’s kindness and humor are many and far-reaching.

David was preceded in death by his father, Henry Mullnix, his mother Frances Mathews and his sister Gloria Jenkins.

Survivors include his wife Kim, sons Steven and Chris, grandsons Josh, Luke and Henry as well as his nephews and nieces. A “Celebration of Life” in honor of David will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the Fort Osage Church of the Nazarene, 19333 E 24 Highway, Indep. MO 64056. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to Fort Osage Church of the Nazarene – www.fort.church.