David Chard, 76, of Salina, KS, passed away September 5, 2024, at Pinnacle Park Nursing and Rehab Center, after a short illness. David was born August 23, 1948, to Howard Chard and Dixie (Crooks) Chard Zachgo who both preceded him in death. David married Henrietta Weber on April 14, 1973.
Preceding him in death were his parents; step-father, Wilbert Zachgo; brother, Michael Squires of Lincoln KS; and sister, Susan Mattingly of Wichita, KS.
He is survived by his wife, Henrietta, of 51 years; his children, Becki Travis (Greg) of Minneapolis, KS, and Todd Chard of Salina; and his 4 grandsons, Zach Travis, Mathew Chard, Dominic Chard and Ryder Chard.
Other survivors include step-mother, Yvonne Chard of Salina; brothers, Linn of Salina, Tim (Donna) of Talmage, Nebraska, Richard of Wichita, and Patrick Squires (Dee Dee) of St Joseph, Missouri; and sisters, Karin Savage (Walter) of Ellsworth, KS, Karli Schultz (Arlen) of Bushton, KS, and Jo Henry (Jim) of Salina.
Daves motto was "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". He was very proud to serve as a lineman in the USMC in the Vietnam conflict. In 2022 Dave was able to fulfill his dream of going on the National Honor Flight to Washington DC.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, playing softball, riding his motorcycle, (known to his friends as Snake), and he was a wiz at word puzzles.
David was a member of the Legion Riders, of the Salina American Legion, a life member of the Lincoln KS VFW, and Saint Mary's Catholic Church.
A memorial funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Queen of the Universe Catholic Church located at 230 E Cloud, Salina KS. Service will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 12. Military services will be conducted after the mass at the church. Lunch will follow at the parish hall.
Interment at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery Fort Riley, Manhattan, KS, will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the VFW/Legion Riders or Saint Mary's Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in care of Ryan Mortuary.