David Linam

(From Parker Mortuary)

David Lee Linam, 75, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the hospital on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

David was born on May 31, 1951, in Joplin, Missouri, to Clyle "Cotton" and Marcelle Linam. He spent his entire life in Joplin, where he built a life centered around his family, his work, and the many things he loved.

David was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Diane, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Together, they built a lifetime of memories and a family that was the greatest part of David's life. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He wore many cherished titles throughout his life, but the greatest was simply being someone who was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. David cherished every generation of his family and loved nothing more than telling stories about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

David worked for Pepsi Bottling Group for 31 years as a fleet mechanic before retiring in 2013. During his time there, he became an ASE Certified mechanic, an accomplishment he was especially proud of.

Outside of work, David was a man who loved the outdoors and never seemed to run out of stories to tell. He enjoyed hunting with his kids and spending time outside watching the deer. He was an avid gun collector and, if you asked him how many he owned, he probably couldn't have given you an exact number. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and a proud supporter of the Second Amendment.

David also had a passion for race cars and loved working on his own car with his son and spending time at the drag strip with his family. He met several Street Outlaws drivers over the years and enjoyed collecting their autographs and taking photos with them.

For several years, David rode his Harley and traveled across the country with Diane. Those trips gave them countless memories and stories to share, along with many good times with friends. David loved telling stories about those adventures, his younger years, and, most of all, his family.

Anyone who knew David knew he always had a joke, a story, or some kind of antic ready to make you smile. He had a way of making people feel better on a bad day and could turn an ordinary moment into a memory. His sense of humor, his stories, and the way he loved his family will be remembered by everyone who knew him.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane Linam; his son, Kevin and his wife Angela and his daughter Kari; his grandchildren, Alyssa and her husband Shae, Courtney and her husband Jake, Brittany and her husband Eric, Danielle, Kylee and her fiancé Jayden, Morgan, Annie, Madison, and Maddie; his great-grandchildren, Gator, Abygail, Lyli, Darrel, Easton, Jaylyn, Tyler, and Brooklyn, with another great-grandchild on the way; his siblings, Steve Linam and his wife Linda and Janie Zeman; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyle "Cotton" and Marcella Linam, and his brother, Bob Linam.

David leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and a family who will carry his love and legacy with them. He will be deeply missed, but his stories will continue to be told, his jokes will continue to be remembered, and the love he had for his family will live on through every generation that follows him.

Visitation will be held October 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Funeral services will be held October 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary, with graveside services immediately following at Ozark Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Eric Bower, Jayden Montez, Andy Linam, Gage Linam, Dan Greenstreet, and Keith Coffey.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.