David Haskins was born in Castor Louisiana, the oldest of 4 children born to John Haskins and Zeola Morrison. He was raised by his father John and his grandparents Charlie and Martha Haskins who he affectionately called Papa and Momma. There he learned how to support a family, earn income, and live off of the land. His passion for fishing and gardening continued for a lifetime. He was even recognized in the Kansas City Star as an avid participant at the Kansas City Community Gardens for many years. His wife Mary Lou, his parents Zeola Debose (Vernon Sr.) and father John Haskins, and four siblings, Willie, Howard, Zenovia and Vernon Jr., preceded him in death.

In 1950, he moved to Kansas City, KS where he married Mary Lou Scoggins on 9/30/1950. Their marriage of 62 years produced a family of David Jr, Terry, Kenneth, and Vanessa.  He joined the Second Baptist Church in Argentine KS where he served nearly 75 years in various roles including Deacon, Finance leader for the Missouri area, which he called the 'Bulldozer', Sunday School Superintendent, and one of his cherished roles as a Sunday School teacher.   He is remembered for his exegesis of lessons with vivid storytelling, visuals, and hymns to reinforce the lesson high points, sometimes even 'tuning' at the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  He was also the sound technician and was affectionately nicknamed 'Super Dave".  From time to time, Deacon Haskins would lead the congregation in a call and response, "Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah."

In 1952 David joined the US ARMY serving for 8 years in artillery, achieving the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.  He later completed technical school and opened the Haskins Television and Radio repair business for more than 25 years all while working in management at CertainTeed for 26 years. In 1982 he moved into property maintenance for local building management companies.

David loved his family dearly and found ways to meet their needs.  He taught them about their heritage, was a role model of a Christian man, and led his family to church teaching them how to serve and to worship. He cared for his wife, Mary until her home going in 2012. By God's grace he resided in his home, cooking, shopping, and driving himself until he was 95.

His legacy is celebrated by three sons David Jr. (Dorothy), Terry (Cynthia), Ken (Julie), and one daughter, Vanessa (Haskins) Sims (James), brother George Debose Sr (Jane), thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of many other relatives and friends.

A special thank you to caregivers Andromeda Hicks, Nicole Hulme of Visiting Angels, to Bev Dudley, Tanishia Young and the entire Benton House of Blue Springs staff, and the Faith Home and Health Hospice for their attentiveness, compassion and care of our father.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.