David Charles "Dave" Brill, 81, of Wichita, KS, passed away on January 20, 2025, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS. He was born on February 18, 1943, in Dodge City, KS, to Claude and Pauline (Ary) Brill.
David graduated from Lewis High School in 1961 and earned his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Kansas in 1965. A natural athlete, he participated in basketball, football, and track at Lewis High School. He attended the University of Kansas on a full basketball scholarship and was proud to play for the Jayhawks from 1961 to 1965. After college, David worked for Farmland Industries for over 30 years, a career well-suited to his upbringing and experience working on the Brill family farm.
With his outgoing and friendly personality, David never met a stranger. Wherever he traveled, he seemed to know someone. He remained an avid supporter of his beloved Jayhawks, attending both football and basketball games. He also enjoyed playing golf, boating, and spending time at his Oklahoma lake house with his wife, Donna Sue Frey, whom he married on April 8, 2000, in Hutchinson, KS. David had a gift for working with his hands and could create or fix nearly anything.
David is survived by his wife of almost 25 years, Donna Brill of Wichita; his sister, Patty Foss (Dan) of Hutchinson; his niece, Tara Connors; and his great-nieces, Dorian Connors and Tenley Connors, all of Tampa, FL. After marrying Donna, David's family grew to include her daughter, Kim Letellier (Bruce) of Los Alamos, NM; grandchildren, Bethany Unruh (Phil) and Bryant Letellier; and great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Jaxon Unruh, with one on the way. David is also survived by numerous cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Pauline Brill; his niece, Amanda Foss; and his nephew, Tyler Foss.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Mike Whitworth officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.
Friends may sign the guestbook from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, and from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday, January 29, at Elliott Mortuary.
Click here to view David's funeral service.
Memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Hospice House, the Tyler Foss Memorial Fund (located at the Hutchinson Community Foundation), or the Williams Education Fund (benefiting student-athletes at the University of Kansas), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.