David Allen McConnaughhay, 87, passed away peacefully July 22, 2026. He was born October 12, 1938 to Sidney Gerald McConnaughhay and Faye Elizabeth McConnaughhay.

David graduated from Larned High School in 1956, where he was very active in athletics. After graduation, he attended Pratt County Community College for two years. In 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his military service, he spent 16 months stationed in Korea before returning to the United States in 1962. He was then stationed at Mineral Wells, Texas, for the remainder of his service.

On June 12, 1965, he married the love of his life, Sandra Ford. The couple moved to Emporia, Kansas, where David attended Emporia State University earning both a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in counseling. He taught at Emporia Junior High School for several years while also coaching multiple sports.

After Sandra completed her education, the family moved to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, where David taught and coached for eight years. During their time there, they expanded their family through both adoption and birth. In September 1970, they adopted their first daughter, GayLyn. Their son, Curtis was born in January 1973.

After leaving the Navajo Reservation, David began a career with the Department of Defense in Blytheville, Arkansas. While living there, he and Sandra welcomed their youngest daughter, Myra, in January 1977.

Following their time in Arkansas, the family returned to Arizona where he was the Education Officer at Williams Air Force Base until 1988. They then moved to Andover, Kansas where he was the Education Officer at McConnell Air Force Base. David later transferred to Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany, where he served as the Education Office Director for three years. While overseas, David and Sandra enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. They returned to the United States in June 2000 where David then retired in January 2001. Together, they made their home in Kechi, Kansas, where they were active in their community and church and David served as a member of the Kechi City Council.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Gerald and Faye Elizabeth McConnaughhay; his brother and sister-in-law, John and June McConnaughhay; his brother Robert McConnaughhay; his sisters, Nancy Branstetter and Bonnie Tabor-D'Angelo; and his brother-in-law Irwin Figgs.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Sandra McConnaughhay; his children, GayLyn McConnaughhay, Curtis (Janna) McConnaughhay, and Myra (Rickey) Phillips; his beloved grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, Madalyn, and Natalie Phillips, and Finley, Piper, and Bode McConnaughhay; his sister, Leona Figgs; his brother-in-law, Don Branstetter.

David will be remembered for his dedication to education, his service to his country, his love for coaching and mentoring young people, and, above all, his unwavering devotion to his family. His kindness, integrity, and commitment to helping others will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at the Kechi United Methodist Church, 4533 E. 61st  St N., Kechi, Kansas. Visitation held 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 27.  Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. Graveside will be following the service at Kechi Township Cemetery, 6523 N. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.