David Edward Keniston, a native of Mayfield, Kentucky and a resident of Huntsville, Alabama for most of his life, ended his human journey on December 18, 2018. He struggled with complications of COPD for several years prior to his death.
David was born to Edward F. and Jane Busse Keniston on September 18, 1953. His beloved daughter, Rachel Michelle, was born to David and his first wife, the former Sandra Hicks, in 1982.
On December 24, 1999, David married Erin Lakeman in Fairhope, Alabama. Their life together was full of adventures, magic, and much love.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, John. He is survived by his wife, Erin Keniston of Huntsville; his daughter, Rachel (Jeremy) Thompson of Huntsville; his bonus daughters Gwynne (Ian) Springer of Harvest and Kerry (David) Komai of Madison; and grandchildren Donna and Bryson Thompson, Adara Keys, and Phoebe and Rory Platz. All loved “Daddo” and his unique sense of humor.
David earned two Associate’s degrees from Calhoun Community College and was always deeply interested in history, especially military history, and political events. David worked for a time as a gemologist at a local jeweler’s, giving him a lifelong appreciation for beautiful jewelry.
Later in life, David was a successful sales professional and during his last year working, he achieved a coveted goal of $1,000,000 in sales at HHGregg in Huntsville.
Music was an important part of Erin and David’s life, and while hospitalized in his last months, medical staff and visitors often found David listening to the Grateful Dead in his hospital room.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at the Bibb Chapel at Nativity Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Alabama, at a date to be determined.
“To lie with you once more, to lie with you
With our dreams entwined together
To wake beside you, my love still sleeping
To tell sweet lies one last time and say goodnight…”
