David Eugene Gish (83) of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully on May 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather-to-be, treasured teacher, and a cherished friend to many. He devoted his life to his family and to impacting the lives of others through music. David was known by his family and friends as a man with unshakeable faith, deep character, and a selfless approach to life. He enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and traveling, but found the greatest joy from spending time with his family, showering his grandkids (and granddogs) with love, and serving others.
David was born to Samuel and Lucille Gish and spent his formative years in Garden City, KS. As a child, he discovered his musical gifts and eventually mastered the piano, flute, clarinet, and violin while building his faith through youth activities at church. At a young age, he made a lifelong connection with his future wife, Carolyn (Holcomb) as she frequently visited her grandparents who lived near his family’s home. David and Carolyn married in 1958 and their love story continued for another 63 years as their family expanded to three children and nine grandchildren.
David’s professional life was shaped by several exceptional high school teachers who inspired him to pursue a career in music education. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Kansas and a Master of Music Education from Wichita State University. Early in his teaching career, he served as the Director of Instrumental and Vocal Music in Sublette, KS, Marching Band Director in Hutchinson, KS, and Instrumental Director at Shawnee Mission West High School. He had significant accomplishments in each of these roles and particularly at Shawnee Mission West where his bands performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, conducted two European concert tours, and marched in the 1976 Bicentennial Parades in New York City and Philadelphia.
In 1979, David took on a new challenge to build a strings program in the Blue Valley School District. Starting from next to nothing, he built a strings program of excellence within a few short years. Following his retirement, he continued teaching in the Olathe School District for several years and substitute taught in Blue Valley in various roles including special education.
David received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including dedication of The David Gish Music Room at his church, nominee for the Blue Valley Kansas Master Program, and recipient of the 2010 Kansas Hall of Fame Award presented by the Kansas Music Educators Association. Although he was a highly successful educator, David never focused on personal recognition. He was gracious in recognizing the people around him and steadfast in his mission to inspire and shape the character of students through music.
In his personal life, David shared his musical gifts by serving as the organist at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and Community Christian Church as well as multiple other churches. His servant heart, compassion, and humility will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his wife Carolyn, three children (and spouses): Deborah (Chris) Budke, Diane (Doug) Punch, Doug (Deanna) Gish; nine grandchildren: Allison, Rachel, and Sarah Budke (fiancé, Casey Reed); Danielle (Luke) Orf, Erica, and Jacob Punch; Bryan, Nathan, and Natalie Gish; and brother: Robert Gish.
A visitation will be held from 1-2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 6422 Sante Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66202. Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Church.
Please find the livestream link for David Gish Memorial Service: https://vimeo.com/556644524
Memorial contributions may be made to:
Santa Fe Waystation Food Pantry
6422 Santa Fe Drive
Overland Park, KS 66202
https://santafewaystation.org/donate