David Roy Churchill dies at 94

David Roy Churchill passed away on Dec. 3, 2023, at the age of 94 in Wrangell.

A graveside service will be held at the Sunset Gardens Cemetery Columbarium at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. "All of his family and friends are welcome to attend," his family wrote.

David Roy Churchill was born on April 8, 1929, to Mary and Frank Churchill in Wrangell.

David graduated from Wrangell High School in 1948. He then went to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

The Korean War was on, so David and his brother, William "Bill" Churchill joined the U.S. Navy for four years.

After military duty, David went into the banking business and retired from Bank of America as a computer operations manager in San Diego, California. Upon retiring from Bank of America, he moved to Delaware, where he and his partner, Ben Leighton, owned and operated two real estate companies for 30 years.

Growing up in Wrangell, David kept busy with many jobs. He worked at Benjamin's and City Market. He also ran the movies at the Wrangell Coliseum Theatre and had a part-time job playing piano at the dance hall and jobs at the Elks Lodge and local bars.

David returned home to Wrangell after 70 years to enjoy the remaining years with family and friends. He was able to spend time with his brother Harry most days after his homecoming.

He is survived by his brother, Harry M. Churchill, and many loving nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. "David will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends," his family wrote.