David E. Han

David E. Han, 72, of Strauss passed away from complications after heart surgery at 7:42 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Freeman West in Joplin. 

David Ernest Han was born on Aug. 30, 1950, to Ernest Morrow and Mildred Kathleen (Sartin) Han at the doctor’s office on Main Street in McCune. He grew up and attended school in the McCune area, graduating from McCune High School as the Class of 1968 valedictorian.

Following high school, David earned a bachelor of science degree in automotive technology from the then Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, now Pittsburg State University. 

For over 47 years, he worked for the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant. While working at the plant, David’s true passion became his work with the local Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union No. 5-508. He served as the local union president and union organizer for over 40 years. David was a dedicated servant to his fellow workers and was a constant ally in their time of need.

A faithful follower of Christ, David was an active member and loving steward to his home church, the McCune Christian Church. His faith shaped every facet of his life and guided him as a leader of his family and his church.

David never missed an activity in which his children or grandchildren were involved. He was always ready to help in any way, as a coach, a statistician or a fan. After a game or performance, he was always prepared with words of encouragement and some words of wisdom. After all the songs were sung and the races run, David knew the power of ice cream.

A skilled storyteller, David had a quick wit and was a master at making memories with his family and friends. Most of all, David loved to create and build and share. He loved to work on anything with a motor, and he loved the stories that those machines could tell. He was an avid wood carver and loved to share his new creations. He loved to breathe life into an old motorcycle or car, or see the eyes sparkle in one of his newest carvings.

On June 7, 1975, David married Janice C. DeLange at the McCune Christian Church. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include four sons, Jason Han (Stacy) of McCune, Jeffrey Han of McCune, Jared Han (Jennifer) of Galesburg and Jamie Han of McCune; a borrowed daughter, Melanie Morton of McCune; two grandchildren, Jackson and Jacob Han; a borrowed granddaughter, Paityn Edwards; a brother, Dennis Han of McCune; and a sister, Judy Yager (Larry) of Overland Park.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Kay Reno and Linda Sue Han.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons. Burial will follow at Monmouth Cemetery in rural McCune. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to the McCune Alumni Association to benefit the McCune Cemetery Pavilion Project. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.

Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.