David Franklin VanFossan's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of David Franklin VanFossan announces his passing on January 22, 2019. David was born in Decatur, Illinois, on November 18, 1956. David graduated from MacArthur High School in Decatur. In his younger years, he worked for Taystee Bread Company and Caterpillar. David possessed the greenest of thumbs and worked for Greenview and From the Ground Up landscaping companies before opening his own business, Dave’s Maintenance and Landscaping. David had a number of engaging hobbies. He maintained beautiful aquariums and took great care in breeding fish. He raised and conditioned a flock of racing pigeons and taught his family how to participate in their care. An avid motorcycle fan, he loved to spend time riding and tinkering on his bike and more than once frightened his mother by popping a wheelie while riding down the interstate.
David is survived by his daughters Janice (Adam) Mueller of Chatham, Illinois, and Jamie (Jared) Serna of Frisco, Texas; his grandchildren, Caleb Mueller, Rylin Mueller, Grady Mueller, and Cason Serna; his siblings, Debra (William) Trotter of Mahomet, Illinois, Kim (Thomas) Riley of Decatur, Rodney VanFossan of Decatur, Tim VanFossan of Key West, Florida, and Tammy (Jay) Ricards of Scottsmoor, Florida; and his father, Howard (Connie) VanFossan of Mims, Florida. He was preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne “Bonnie” Willis.
A service in celebration of David’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 10th at Boiling Springs Cemetery, 2445 Boiling Springs Road, Decatur. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Illini Park Building, 265 S. Main St., Warrensburg. Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/Honor_Memorials.html.
It is impossible to limit a person’s life to a few words on a page. There is infinitely more to each of us than just our biography. The disease of addiction had a grip on David and took its toll on both his physical and mental health. It is his family’s greatest wish that, whatever the circumstances, we always remember that there is a person behind the pain and that we never lose sight of the human beneath the hurt. We know that with every poor decision, there is a heart that longs to do better. For every misstep, there is grace abundant to say, “You can try again.” We are all imperfect, and we all need second, third, and fourth chances. If you are hurting, please seek help. If you see someone struggling, please reach out. Never stop believing. Never stop fighting. And, above all, never stop loving. When it seems hardest is when it’s needed the most.
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