David Harold Hangsleben from O' Fallon, IL passed away Friday, February 20, 2026. He was 68 years old.

Commonly known as Dave in his youth, he was a highly intelligent man who moved his way up through the government during his career of satellite design and missile defense. He loved his career as an engineer; it gave him purpose and satisfaction each day to know that he was working hard to protect his country. He especially prided himself on the fact that he never worked for the private sector: he was a public servant for the entirety of his career.

Before engineering, David turned his love of music into a job at a record store. He loved ALL types of music, and he could often be found sitting in his home office listening to anything from Vivaldi and Bach to Styx and Meatloaf to John Williams movie scores.

Music eventually led him to meeting his wife of almost 41 years as they sang together in a choir with her sister and his best friend (who married first!) As maid of honor and best man in the wedding they were destined for each other, and the four of them remained close over the years.

St. Louis was home to David and his family until he was called to work in the Pentagon in 1999, a job he was so proud to hold. He became very involved in the Pit Crew of the CD Hylton Marching Bulldawgs for eight years while all three of his children made their way through high school. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus at his parish in Northern Virginia. Staying involved in local activities was easy with an outgoing wife like Kim. She kept him busy in their community, and even if all he did was bring his book with him, he was always along for the ride.

Dave traveled a lot for work over the years both domestically and internationally. His family loved to tell stories about his crazy antics in other countries towards the beginning of his career, which he begrudgingly allowed…with a cheeky grin on his face! (Did he ever tell you about the time he danced on a table in Germany during Oktoberfest?)

When it came to traveling as a family, destinations were most often family and campsites…not his first choice, but again he did it out of love. As long as he had a book and tons of bug spray (man did his legs and ankles get attacked every single time!) he was happy to "keep the fire going" while he read his book and "rested his eyes" – sure, Dad.

Home changed again when his final employer, MITRE Corp, asked him to move to Huntsville, Alabama. Building their home on a mountain was a crazy and often difficult experience, but it became the place where his children became adults and eventually brought their own families. Holidays, movie nights, and family visits were a regular occurrence. You'd often find him sitting in his home office overlooking the amazing courtyard his wife created while sipping once hot coffee during the day (until we bought him a coffee warmer), and his favorite bourbon in the evening, still forever reading – now on his kindle – with his feet propped on his desk while the sounds of his family floated in from other parts of the house. It was a place his children would often go for serious talks, jokes, sips of "daddy water" and for the youngest: all the coins he could fit in his pocket. To visit David's office is to get a glimpse into his life and his world.

It goes without saying that David's family were lucky to have him. He supported his wife Kim while she stayed home and raised their family, went back to school for horticulture, and worked as a landscaper and grower. For years they found balance together and supported each other through life's ups and downs.

His three kids gave him seven grandchildren, and he was the best Papa and "Doodad" for 11.5 years. He shared his love of reading with them and his lap was always a great place to listen to a story…or nine! He taught and promised to teach each of them to play chess, and the set from his son Ben was always on his coffee table ready for a game.

He loved having his granddaughters spend the night and made sure he had their favorite snacks, ingredients to make "cherry drinks" (Shirley Temples), and the remote tuned in to their favorite shows. M&Ms for breakfast were not uncommon at Papa's house!

There are so many things we will remember fondly. We will think of him every time we eat Lays potato chips or get stuck behind a slow driver – he would throw his hands up so fast! The smell of tobacco will remind us of his years smoking a pipe. He refused to eat pork (except for bacon and ham), and he only ate his meat if it was cooked very well done. He spent every Saturday morning for YEARS moving the coffee table and wrestling with his kids in the living room while Kim made a big breakfast. He unwillingly helped with yard work if he could take breaks often, but when Kim had an idea for a big yard project he was on board and helping however he could. He loved a good gadget and had a large collection of pens, always wanting more. He wrote in ALL CAPS in very tiny handwriting, and he LOVED a good, cheesy dad joke.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Harold W. and Isabel H. Hangsleben (nee Martinez) and his brother John W. Hangsleben.

He is survived by his wife, Kimmarie Hangsleben (nee Grimmer), his daughter Sarah Connell husband Brian, his son Benjamin wife Jayna, and his son Thomas wife Charity. Grandchildren: Catherine (Kate) and Bridget Connell, Tessa Hangsleben, and Elijah, Sebastian, Lincoln, and Roman Hangsleben.

Brothers and Sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews: there's too many to name. You know who you are!

David was known for a few key sayings. If you called him on the phone he always answered, "Joe's pizza, can I take your order?" Whenever he pulled into the driveway, no matter how long you were in the car, he said, "All ashore that's going ashore!" And before she left the house, he always told his daughter, "Don't pick up any sailors…"

He was so loved and is already so missed.

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

A small visitation was held for his immediate family before David was cremated. He will be shared among his children, and his ashes will be spread by each of them in a place that holds meaning for them and their dad.

A "Celebration of Life" party will be held this summer in Belleville, IL where David lived for most of his life. Please reach out to family for details if you wish to be there with them.

If you wish to make a contribution in his honor, please consider donating to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.
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