David “Dave” Mullin, 82, of Johnston, Iowa passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1941. His parents were the late Leo & Carolyn Mullin and the late Bud & Virginia (Ellsworth) Sanford. Dave had three siblings.
Growing up in Des Moines, Dave was a true “East-sider” and graduated from East High School in 1959. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959 stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. He was deployed to Madrid, Spain. With his love of sports, he was able to play on the
Air Force basketball team as a center and traveled weekends playing teams from Germany and
England. He also played baseball and was a pitcher for the Air Force team based out of Offutt Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged in 1963. He was extremely proud that he served his Country and was a true Veteran.
Dave started his career as a DJ at KIOA in Des Moines, Iowa where he worked with Dick Young. He loved entertaining guests and running errands for Dick Young which was a highlight especially given his love of music. He eventually began working in the roofing trade at Iowa Roofing. His love of sports led to a coaching position in Lee Township Softball. As head coach for the “Rosettes,” his team and their wining streak set many records. All of his daughters began their softball years playing under Dave as their coach.
In 1963 Dave married and, in that union, had 3 daughters. In 1975 he met and married Sharon
(Lewis Gooding) in which she had 3 daughters. Thereafter referred to as the “Brady Bunch.”
In 1976 Dave and Sharon decided to move to the small town of Montezuma, Iowa. Dave started his own roofing company called “Dave’s Roofing” and also drove a school bus during the school year. He loved being involved in school activities and especially driving the athletic teams to sporting events. As the girls began to leave the nest Dave & Sharon decided to leave Montezuma and start a new adventure although they both loved raising their children in Montezuma.
They began working together at Motel 6 in various offices throughout the country. Being valued as an exceptional, hard-working team, they were ultimately recruited by former managers to work for various Storage USA locations. This new career allowed them the opportunity to travel, meet many new people, and develop lifelong friendships. Their time together included many rescued 4-legged best friends. Their beloved dogs accompanied them throughout their years together. They retired in Naples, Florida. Dave and Sharon were married 44 years until her death in 2019.
Dave moved back to Iowa and eventually met his companion, Leann Randall. Dave and Leann relocated to Johnston, IA to share their lives together. They shared a love of many things and were confidants to each other with the loss of their previous spouses. Leann always said she loved how Dave could make her laugh. Dave volunteered at the VA during his spare time.
Dave’s love for his family and pets were always present. His other loves included travel and long drives. Reminiscing with Dave was always enjoyable; his memory was remarkable. He was a story teller and could recall events that happened many years ago, with amazing accuracy. He loved Neil Diamond and attended 17 concerts throughout his lifetime. His first Neil Diamond concert that he attended was at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines where he paid $4.00 for front row seats! His love for Neil Diamond music was also passed on to his entire family. His all-time favorite was “I am… I said.” As Dave would tell you, “Just close your eyes and listen.”
Dave made the best flat potato sandwiches, which are still made and enjoyed by his family today.
Next to his family and dogs, his true love was sports and watching his favorite team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved the Black & Gold! He would not miss a game day on TV. He adored his nieces and nephews. He wore many titles: husband, companion, dad, grandpa, pops, brother, uncle lovely, friend, coach, and Veteran.
Dave was honored the day before he passed with a “Veteran Pinning Ceremony.” The ceremony acknowledges the military service and sacrifices made by the Veteran. Among those honoring Dave were two grandsons, one grandson-in-law, and his friend Bill, all who also served our country. They shared a few words and honored Dave with a Military Salute, which was an extremely touching and memorable event.
He was preceded in death by his spouse, Sharon (Lewis Gooding) Mullin, parents, Leo and Caroline Mullin, Bud and Virginia Sanford, a brother, Jim Mullin and many beloved pets.
He is survived by his companion, Leann Randall of Johnston, IA, his daughters, Kristi (Bill)
Grigsby of Naples, FL, Dana (Scott Rosheim) Mullin of Johnston, IA, Deanna (Mike) Watson, Ankeny, IA, Kelly (Chris) Warren, of Red Lodge MT, Danelle (Joe) Strantz of Chugiak AK, sister, Diane (John) Boren of Maquoketa, IA, a brother, Russ Sanford of Maquoketa, IA, 16 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, his dog, Baby Girl, and many nieces/nephews.
The family would like to thank the VA Hospital, Pam at VA Palliative Care, the countless individuals at Hospice of The Midwest who not only provided exceptional loving care to Dave but remarkable comfort and care with our family and Chaplin Mike whom Dave loved.
Celebration Of Life will be held on Monday November 27, 2023 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at Cornerstone Commons on 6365 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, Iowa 50131.
A Private Family Funeral with Military honors will be held on Tuesday November 28, 2023 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.
