David A. Stillings

David Alan Stillings passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025 at Gulfside Hospice in New Port Richey, Florida after an extended illness. David was born March 25, 1953 in Topeka, Kansas to William and Darnell Stillings. Shortly after his birth, David’s family moved to Atchison, Kansas, the town in which he grew up and had many adventures. David moved back to Topeka in 1971 to attend Washburn University. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Washburn in 1977. 

On January 10, 1981, David married Cynthia Rankin. They produced three sons: Samuel (Heather), John (Biangca), & Thomas (Ashley) Stillings, and six grandchildren: Alyssa, Anna, Tommy, Scarlet, Heart, and Alowan. David’s siblings include Doug (Joyce) Stillings, Mark (Lynn) Stillings, and Brad (Janet) Stillings. 

While in college, David worked in various jobs including grocery and sales, and after graduation, worked for his brother, Mark, doing government contract work around the country. He later, along with brother Mark, formed Stillings Oil Company, exploring and completing oil wells in eastern Kansas. David subsequently started his own business as an Independent Petroleum Landman, working for 40 years in several states around the country, leasing land for oil and gas production, researching courthouse records, drafting legal documents, meeting all kinds of interesting people along the way. He developed a respected reputation among his peers and in his career. 

David was a loving father and husband and excellent provider for his family. This was important to him. He was especially happy when he became a grandfather. David instilled in his children a love of history, geography, travel, and a respect for God and country. He enjoyed the occasional fishing and shooting with his boys when they could get away together and he always enjoyed shooting fireworks with them each year on Independence Day. David looked forward to the many great trips that the family took together and wanted his kids to have the opportunity to travel and experience the world around them. 

He appreciated good music and had a wonderful singing voice. Although he didn’t join any choirs, he enjoyed spontaneous duets with Cindy around the house and in the car. 

David was articulate and quick witted with a great sense of humor. He appreciated lively discussions about politics and subjects of interest in life. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and looked forward to each new season. 

He will be missed and will forever stay in our hearts.