David McKenzie

“The long journey home” Obituary David William McKenzie “A Proud Veteran” July 31, 1927 – June 2, 2019 He was born in Gilmore, Maryland to Joseph R. Sr. and Laura Pearl Sanders McKenzie. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Midland and Public Schools in Allegheny County Maryland. He completed his GED and numerous other educational programs during his long Military Career. His service Awards and Commendations were many. On September 18, 1945 he joined the U.S. Navy for one year of active duty, then he remained on reserve duty until January 1, 1948; At this time, he enlisted in the Marine Corp where he served nine more years before re-enlisting in the Air Force for ten years. After a total of 20 years of service he retired from the Air Force on June 1, 1967. After his discharge from the Air Force, he lived in Florida, Illinois, Virginia and in Nevada with his wife Charlotte. In Nevada he worked for the Henderson Police Department as a Humane Officer for 13 years before his final retirement. In 2007 he moved to Illinois. After the death of his wife in 2013 he moved to Colonial Beach, Virginia. His health began to deteriorate quickly; and he was confined to an assisted living facility for more than five years where he passed peacefully in his sleep at 91. Dave’s entire lifetime was full of love for, and devotion to, his God, his Mother, his Wife, his Country and the Military. He had high respect and compassion for little children and the elderly. He was an avid reader and shared an Interest in history and U.S government. His last wish was to return to his homeplace in Gilmore, Maryland and laid to rest in peace forever, beside his Mother. Uncle Dave, as he was lovingly referred to by many, is survived by one brother, Kenneth F. (Ken) McKenzie and wife Joyce of Colonial Beach, VA and one sister, Linda Jean McKenzie Cox of Greenbelt, MD, Sister-in-laws Barbara Moxley of Colonial Beach, VA, Diane McKenzie of Sun City, AZ, Lillian Rowe of Indian Head, MD and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many other lifetime friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Joan Courtney McKenzie, his mother and father, and his siblings, Joseph R. McKenzie Jr., James A. (Sonny) McKenzie, John E. (Eddie) McKenzie, Mary Alice McKenzie Sullivan, Joseph H. (Herb) Rowe, and Ronald Wayne McKenzie. Graveside services will take place at Eckhart Cemetery near Frostburg, MD Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 at 11:00 am with a Priest from St. Michaels Catholic Church officiating; A presentation of the American Flag and Full Military Honors will follow.