It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our loved one, David Lewis French.
David was born on September 17, 1957, and passed away on November 7, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Christine French; his sister, Sonya; his brother, George; and his nephew, Jason.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Shanley French; son, Joshua French; his sisters, Linda Stark and LaJuana Steele (Don); his brothers, Lynwood French (Gina) and Sidney French (Ann); and his nieces and nephews, Talitha, Shana, Martin, George, Patrick, Danelle, and Derek.
David revered his in-laws, Leo and Bette Shanley.
David grew up in Alexander City, Alabama, where he graduated from Benjamin Russell High School. He attended Auburn University, and upon completion, began his career in the petroleum industry in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the William Company. After several years in that career, David switched gears and entered the hospitality industry by joining the Marriott Corporation, working as the Food Service Director at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Dodger Stadium, and Sun Devil Stadium of Arizona State University and the Arizona Cardinals.
David returned to Alabama in 1993, where he met his loving wife-to-be, Helen, as they were both managers at Baumhower’s Wings Sports Grille in Tuscaloosa. He continued his career in the food service industry when he joined Aramark in their Collegiate Hospitality division as the Assistant Food Service Director of Clemson University. David continued with Aramark, receiving other assignments on the East Coast at the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, before moving his family West, with opportunities in Salt Lake City, Utah; Alburquerque and Los Alamos, New Mexico; Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; and Starkville, Mississippi. David and his family returned to Alabama in 2009, accepting a position in Huntsville with a smaller regional food service company.
Due to his continuing health challenges, David retired in 2019. In retirement he enjoyed puttering in his gardens, getting more creative with his cooking, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.
David was a faithful believer in Jesus Christ, his Lord. Although David had chronic health issues throughout his life, he always tried to have a positive outlook and a smile to give.
Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M., followed by a memorial service starting at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home located in Huntsville, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s of Alabama (childrensal.org); American Diabetes Foundation (diabetes.org); Alabama Kidney Foundation (alkidney.org); or a charity of your choice.
