David F. Willsie, of Lincoln, NE passed away in his sleep on the night of October 1st, 2026. Condolences can be sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Parsons, KS. David will be laid to rest at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons.

David was born January 4, 1951, to his parents, Fillmore E. and Cecilia A. Willsie (Lusebrink), of Parsons. David grew up in Parsons attending Grammar School, and Junior and High School alongside his three younger sisters, Sandra, Debra, and Barbra. David talked of fond childhood memories of fishing with his dad and sisters on the Neosho River. He also admired his mother’s excellent cooking and took a love of food through life. While in high school, David met Sherrie Hess of Altamont, KS, and eventually proposing with Sherrie accepting.

David went on to Pittsburg State University where he obtained a B.S. in Biology. He went on to work for different railroads in his youth, eventually specializing in industrial hygiene and working on his graduate degree. From there, David had an impressive career, serving as the Safety Director for the state of Kansas, and Safety Director of Burlington Northern Railroad. He eventually started his own business, DFW & Associates, providing safety, environmental health, and industrial hygiene services and training. He was persevering in building a successful business for himself and his family.

David married Sherrie on December 27, 1980, in Altamont with friends and family present. They had their two sons, Philip and Grant, in Downers Grove, IL. From there, David and his family moved to Topeka, KS, and then to Lincoln, NE. Lincoln is where he raised his family and he and Sherrie remained.

In his spare time David enjoyed coin collecting, a hobby from his youth he turned into a business as well. He also loved watching sports (Nebraska Cornhuskers football, KC Chiefs football, and KU Basketball). He also had an impressive hat collection he’d wear year-round, especially while sitting on his beloved deck. He was a loyal husband and father and shared with his sons his wisdom of how to be successful in life through patience and hard work. He gave Philip and Grant every possible advantage to succeed in life. David had a quick wit, loved to engage in a lively debate, and not much went past his watchful eye, letting him take care of his family in the most meaningful way.

David is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Philip, and sister, Sandra. David is survived by his wife, Sherrie, his sons Philip (Mary), Grant (Josh); and grandchildren Fillmore, Harvey, and Olive; and sisters Debra and Barbra. He will be truly missed by those who knew him well and loved him the most.