David Dale Linkey

LOGAN - David Dale Linkey, 56, loving father, brother and wonderful friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 12, 2003,after a valiant battle with esophageal cancer. He was born July 26, 1946, in Kansas City, Mo. to Howard Dale Linkey and Florence Tattershall. He was raised in Camdenton, Mo., and graduated from Camdenton High School in 1963. He received his art/history degree from the Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo. where he also certified as a teacher. He received his master's degree from Utah State University in living history. He joined the United States Air Force in November of 1973 and served his country during the Vietnam War for eight years. He flew B-52 bombers, T-41, T-37, T-38, F-5E, Vulcan British and T-39 Saber jet and a variety of private planes and jets. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a graphic designer. He was also an excellent private flight instructor. David had a wonderful sense of humor that everyone enjoyed and possessed a great deal of common sense. He was conscientious and detail-oriented. He enjoyed getting together with friends and family. He will be remembered for being a kind, loving man who truly enjoyed being surrounded by others. From his motorcycle to his Hawaiian shirts, David's zest for living was undeniable. He enjoyed customizing his Toyota Land Cruiser, painting it olive drab with a general's star. David's love of living history was evident anytime he told one of his stories. He had a contagious laugh and was always smiling and friendly. His first love was flying. When a plane would fly by, he would often look up into the sky to see what type of plane it was and often knew who was flying it or where the plane came from. He watched the aircraft until it was out of sight, making certain it would stay in the air! He often knew a plane was approaching before anyone else heard it flying overhead. He was very intelligent and well-read. He knew extensive details about history. Weather played a significant part in his everyday life. He studied and predicted the weather and knew the names of all the cloud formations and what they meant. As a pilot it was important to be aware of the changes in the weather. He was a naturalist and knew the names of all the birds, flowers and trees. He was a great writer and had a mastery of the English language. He was also very creative. He enjoyed many areas of craftsmanship, including woodwork, gunsmithing, painting and carpentry. He loved to hunt, trap, and fish, and he was an expert rifleman. He was involved in historical re-enactments, portraying characters such as a Rogers Ranger, a Mountain Man and many other persona. He made certain the details of his costumes and accessories were historically correct. He was a photography buff and enjoyed processing and tanning hides. He was married to Jeannie Naylor, and from this union came a daughter. They were later divorced. He then married Elizabeth Livingston, and this union lasted for 10 years. He later married Karie Sant, and together they had two sons. He was a wonderful father and loved his children dearly. He always gave them hugs and told them how much he loved them. He is survived by his children, Nicholas David Linkey and Brady Austin Linkey, Providence, Utah and Jennifer Buehler, Springfield, Mo.; two sisters, Judy Tom Newland, Sunrise Beach, Mo. and Becky Francis LaRock, Camdenton, Mo.; a niece and a nephew, Alysia and Dylan LaRock. He is also survived by his stepfather, John Burns, Camdenton, Mo. and a very dear friend, Mary Stanford, Logan, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents. A viewing and intimate memorial service for family and close friends will be held Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 North, Logan. Friends and family may call at the funeral home an hour prior to services for a viewing. Condolences to the family may be extended online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com . We love and miss you, Dave, until we meet again, and wish you an eternity of bluebird days.