BRACE, David Alden - b. February 5, 1935 - d. February 10, 2023

[patyrn]

David Alden Brace, age 88, of Moline, Kansas, passed away at Pittsburg Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas on February 10, 2023.  He was born February 5, 1935 to M. A. "Jack" and Ivan Aline (McGuire) Brace in the Moline Schaffer Hospital, now the Museum. 

The Brace family lived in the Star Neighborhood near Moline, Kansas on the family farm.  David attended Star School for seven years until 1949 when he entered Moline High School and graduated in 1953.  He went on to attend Kansas State Agricultural College in 1953 where he was active in ROTC.  He received a History and Government degree and began Law School at the University of Kansas in 1956, graduating with Juris Doctorate in 1959.

David passed the bar exam in 1960 and began his law career in Labette County.  He then moved back to Moline in 1961 where he began his own law practice.  Shortly thereafter, David was introduced to a Wichita school teacher, Marilyn McClellan, formerly of Phillips County, Kansas.  On June 14, 1964, they were married, and together they rasied two daughters and in a few months would have celebrated 59 wonderful years together.

In his career, David sought the County Attorney position in 1963 and remained seated until retiring in 2004, leaving a legacy as the longest serving Prosecutor in the state of Kansas.  He was awarded as Favorite Prosecutor by the KBI.  In 2020, he was recognized for 60 years of service by the Kansas Bar Associationas an attorney and Counselor of Law.

David was involved in many community activities.  He was Secretary/Treasurer of the Moline Rodeo Association, serving on the Board for decades.  He was an active member of the Moline United Methodist Church.  He was active on the Moline Museum Board, the Church Board, the Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Moline Alumni, and the Democratic State Committee.  He was instrumentlal in getting the Medical Clinic built in Moline and served as Attorney for the City of Moline as well as on the City Council.

David was a public servant at heart.  His door was always open to out-of-town folks who wanted to know Elk County history or find background on their former family members.  He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a beloved "Uncle Dave" who made sure all nieces and nephews knew how to fish.  He loved to be at the lake or at the pond in a boat.  David is one of the last of the Star School Family.  The grandkids loved to walk the hill, explore the remains of the house at the farm, and be given a tour of the museum,  He was a good and faithful servant.

David is survived by his wife, Marilyn of the home; his daughters, Dedra Sinclair of Wichita, Kansas and Sally (Matt) Brock of Redfield, Kansas; and grandchildren, Alex (Mary) Brock, Emma Sinclair, Annie Brock, Sarah Sinclair, and Alaina Brock.  He also leaves many special nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Virginia Huntington.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2023 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the Moline City Cemetery in Moline, Kansas.  The family will receive friends at visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Moline Medical Clinic or the Moline Library and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 has been entrsted with services. 

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)