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David Lewis Self

Feb 22, 1935 - Jul 15, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Lewis Self on July 15, 2020 at Olathe Hospice House. David was born at Bethany Hospital in 1935 to Lewis and Fern Self. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1953 and was a member of the RF’ers. He joined the Army in 1954 and served four years. He spent three years in Germany as a Military Policeman. Upon returning to Kansas City he used his GI Bill to obtain his teaching degree from the University of Kansas. 

 

He married in 1960 and was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Virgie, for 60 years. They had two children, Dana of Mission, Kansas and John of Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

David had a long and prestigious career as an educator starting in 1962 as a social studies teacher at Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. 

 

In 1962 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Kansas. He also earned his Masters of Science in Education in 1969 from the University of Kansas. In 1973 he earned a Specialist in Education from Kansas State College in Pittsburg, Kansas.

 

From 1968 to 1971, through a government grant, David produced television social studies classes for grade schools in Parsons, Kansas. In 1971 he became Vice Principal at Parsons High School in Parsons, Kansas and in 1972 he became Principal at the Parsons Junior High School. In 1979 he became Principal at Jefferson West High School in Meriden, Kansas. He was Assistant Superintendent of School in Lansing, Kansas in 1985 and retired as Assistant Superintendent of School in Tonganoxie, Kansas in 1992. 

 

David was an easy-going guy who loved to play golf, cards, and like mowing the grass on his riding mower. He also loved his dog Baxter.

 

Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his four loving nieces, Kathy Growney, Kelly Goins, Debbie Moore and Barbara Engler.

 

A celebration of life will be held at Tomahawk Hills Golf Club, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66218 on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, casual attire requested. Overland Park/CDC social distancing recommendations will be observed. 

 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Olathe Hospice House. 
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Services

Additional Service: Celebration of Life
Location: Tomahawk Hills Golf Club
Address: 17501 Midland Dr.
City: Shawnee
State: Kansas
Zip Code: 66218
Date of Service: Jul 24, 2020
Time of Service: 4:00 pm
Additional Information:

A celebration of life will be held at Tomahawk Hills Golf Club, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66218 on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, casual attire requested. Overland Park/CDC social distancing recommendations will be observed. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Olathe Hospice House. 
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

John Schweer Jul 21, 2020

I cannot even begin to understand what you’re going through right now, but I would like to offer my prayers and condolences. While the earth lost a great man, the universe received a new beautiful star. My condolences to you and your family.

Duane and Pat Callahan Jul 21, 2020

Friends ,BellaVista ,Arkansas

We enjoyed our relationship with David and his family in many ways through golf,dinning,etc. please know our hearts go out to you. Hugs,Duane and Pat Callahan

Adam Benlon Jul 22, 2020

Neighbor ,Shawnee

David was a favorite of the whole neighborhood. His daily walk around the culda sac and stoping to talk. He loved watching the kids play and petting our dog Ace. David was truly a great man with a awesome spirit of kindness! He will be missed verry verry much!

Von Lauer Jul 23, 2020

Education Admiinistrator ,Sabetha ,Kansas

Sorry to learn of his passing. I knew him as a fellow administrator in Kansas.

James G. Johnson Jul 23, 2020

Student at Washington High School ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Dear Self’s, David taught me in 1963 while at Washington High and his brother Charles (Chuck) was in Boy Scouts with me. Both were very nice citizens. I am sorry for your loss.

Melody Monthey Jul 23, 2020

went to school with John ,Topeka ,Kansas

So very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Hugs.

Jim Waldeck Jul 23, 2020

Neighborhood friend in Lansing KS ,Grapevine ,Texas

Susan and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Self family. It was a pleasure knowing Mr. Self. GOD bless. Jim Waldeck

Shelle Arnold Jul 23, 2020

Virgie and family - we are saddened to hear of David's passing. Sending prayers your way.

Melanie Hoch Jul 23, 2020

Former Teacher at Jefferson West H.S. ,Topeka ,Kansas

My condolences to your family. I have fond memories of working with David in the 1980's at Jefferson West H.S. in Meriden. He was a great administrator and good friend.

Bill Blackwell Jul 23, 2020

Friend - Wyandotte Class of ‘53 ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dave assisted old friends to stay in touch by helping to plan annual Wyandotte Class of ‘53 Reunions for 60 years. I was fortunate to serve on that committee with him and be one his friends. He was an excellent example to the thousands of students who knew him. Virgie, the Peace of Christ to you and your family.

Clayton and Anita Wolfe Jul 23, 2020

friends ,Bonner Springs ,Kansas

Virgie, we are so very sorry to learn that Dave passed away. We send our most heart-felt condolences to you and your family. May the happy memories you all hold will sustain you at this sad time.

Paul & Vicky Walker Jul 23, 2020

Friends of Family ,Lansing ,Kansas

Virgie, Dana and John, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Dave. He will be missed. Our condolences to your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Wil & Laura Barnes Jul 23, 2020

Sorry to hear about David's passing. Enjoyed working with him at the Lansing School system.

Zoe Seymour Jul 23, 2020

I had the privilege of being on staff with Mr. Self at Jefferson West HS. I fondly recall his easy-going rapport with the kids. Condolences to his family at this sad time.

Jim and Marilyn Burkhart Jul 23, 2020

Friend, Boss and Mentor ,Goddard ,Kansas

Sorry to hear about the passing of David. Condolences goes out to your family. He was a great friend, boss, and mentor. What great times we had in Ozawkie!

Sharon Brandenburg Jul 23, 2020

Friend ,Parsons ,Kansas

A golf club is such a fitting place to have David's service. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Everyone will miss his big smile. I cannot come to the service. I am still self-isolating. Have not seen Jill since March and not seen Bridget since February. Please accept my sympathy and prayers. Keep in touch.

Jamie White (Bobbio) Jul 24, 2020

Former student ,Comanche ,Oklahoma

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Many of my school memories were took place in the office helping out. There were some practical jokes and silliness but he was always there to listen and provide guidance. He made my school years memorable and I'm sure many others. My thoughts and prayers are with all family, friends and former students.

Marilyn Gunderman Jul 24, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Virgie and Family, There are no words to express how sorry I am with the death of David. I wish I could have been there today but our facility is still on lockdown so they would not give me permission to go. David and Norm have been best friends since Jr. High and both were fun loving guys. As RF'ER wives, we have wonderful memories of the dinners, events and vacations we went on. Our 2 week trip to the East on a Fall foliage trip where Norm could never figure out the round-abouts. Our trip to the Hughes RFA reunion in Florida where we were dodging hurricanes and tornadoes. The cruise we went on - so many memories. We were lucky to spend so many great years with our spouses, but it so hard to let them go, even though they are suffering. I am sure that Norm was at the pearly gates waiting to welcome his lifetime friend. My deepest sympathy to all. Marilyn Gunderman

Priscilla LoPresti Jul 24, 2020

friend ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

My thoughts and prayers are with the Self family at this sad time. Dave was such a nice guy with a great personality. Can't believe that Dave, Dean and Ted (Lansing USD 469) all left us within seven months.

Barb Alonzi Jul 24, 2020

Taught in Lansing,KS ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

I was saddened to hear of the passing of David. I had the pleasure of working with him in Lansing when he served as principal and as assistant superintendent. He was a joy to work with and I appreciated that he always supported me. I also enjoyed his sense of humor. Those were good years. May you all find comfort and peace in your good memories.

Marlene Rees Graef Jul 26, 2020

Was head of school transportation in Lansing, Ks. while Dave was employed @ USD #469 ,Lansing ,Kansas

Sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always cheerful and made me laugh.

Barb Roland Aug 14, 2020

neighbors ,Shawnee ,Kansas

We always enjoyed our visits when David would take his walks down the street in the neighborhood. He always stopped to say hi and pet the dogs. He knew them by name and always insisted on seeing them. If we were ever outside without the dogs, he would stop and ask "Where are the girls? Can they come out and say hi?" Absolutely! They always enjoyed seeing him as much he did seeing them. We will miss his visits, he was always kind and friendly. Virgie, so sorry for your loss. We hope you and your family will find comfort in this difficult time.