David “DW” Wayne Fordyce, 58, passed from this life to the next on October 18, 2024, in one
of his favorite places on earth. A devoted and beloved husband, father, and “Pop Pop,” David leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, generosity, and humility that touched the lives of everyone he knew. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 29th at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, where friends and family will be invited to share their memories and honor a man who truly made the world a better place. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., prior to the service, and will continue during lunch to follow.
David was born in southeast Iowa with an innate sense of practicality and reliability, and a love for the Iowa countryside. He graduated from high school in Fairfield in 1984 and later was a proud graduate of Iowa State University. David had a passion for agriculture, a love evident in his years spent tinkering with tractors, baling hay, and a successful, 30-year career in the ag distribution business. A transformational leader, he had a remarkable ability to guide others toward the right answers, often with just a few well-chosen words. His steady presence, reliability, and humble expertise made him a loyal leader, teacher, and friend to many. David cherished his 31 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Amy. David and Amy were a joyful and perfectly balanced team and together, raised three wonderful children who will forever carry his spirit and be his living legacy. David cherished each moment he spent with his family, whether at the poolside with a stopwatch, fishing at the pond, or giving tractor and ranger rides to his two adoring grandchildren. David’s family brought immense joy and meaning to his life.
David was a true craftsman, having built his dream barn house, a sanctuary that reflected his love for the Iowa land. David was a passionate wood worker and loved sharing his cutting boards, nightstands, and other projects with friends and family. In the rare case he didn’t have a fix for something, he always “knew a guy” who did. David’s authenticity and gentle spirit allowed him to make connections in unlikely places, casting a wide net of friends from many walks of life. He had a knack for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
David often said, & quoted; “Life isn’t a dress rehearsal.” He subscribed to this motto and encouraged others to do the same. His steady and safe presence provided comfort and assurance, making him a cherished figure in both his personal and professional life. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was always with intention and purpose.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Amy; dearly loved children, Abbey (Connor) Metzger, Jack Fordyce, and Joe Fordyce; grandchildren, Ruby and Walker Metzger; parents, Robert “Gene” and Linda Fordyce; brother, Steve (Tanya) Fordyce, brother and sister-in-law Steve and Halley Lee, and brother and sister-in-law Mitch and Debby Krebs and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of David may be made to the family to be used at a later
date. To sign an online condolence, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.
Here is the link for Lutheran Church of Hope’s livestream https://wdm.lutheranchurchofhope.org/specialevents/
