David Robert Mabon

October 14, 1948 - February 6, 2022

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the death of David Robert Mabon, who died Sunday February 6, 2022 in Grand Island, while surrounded by loved ones. Celebration of Life will be Thursday Feb. 17th, 2 P.M., at the Phillips Community Center Phillips, NE. Memorials are suggested to the Phillips Cemetery- Tree Project. David Robert Mabon was born October 14, 1948 to Robert C. Mabon and Betty (Cornelius) Mabon in Aurora. David lived on a farm near Phillips where his family was involved in dairy cows and row crop farming. When Dave was a junior in high school the operation changed to a beef/ cow/calf and row crop operation. Dave was in 4-H, he played sports both in the summers and during his years attending Phillips Consolidated Public Schools. He was inspired by his high school coaches Rod Clement and Larry Dillon to become involved in coaching and teaching Physical Education, as he advanced his education. Dave was a graduate of Phillips High School in 1966, the year Philips High School closed its doors. While attending Kearney State College, Dave lettered four years in football. In 1967, he played on KSC undefeated football team, which is now recognized as a “Team of Distinction” at UNK. On February 22, 1970, Dave married Terri G. Mabon in Lincoln, NE. Dave and wife, Terri, both received degrees in education, graduating in 1971. Dave taught and coached in Newman Grove, NE from 1971 to 1974. His family, including daughter Dawn and son Derek, moved to Grand Island in 1974. Dave taught Physical Education in the Elementary Schools for 7 years until 1981. In 1981, he changed jobs and became a bank employee. The banking industry was part of his life for 6 years. In 1987, he returned to his first love, teaching P.E. in the Grand Island Public Elementary Schools until his retirement. He taught 34 years, teaching at several of the Elementary Schools, where he enjoyed working with many students. He especially enjoyed the After School Program, where the students, not only learned skills, but were able to display their talents to their parents and the community. Dave continued his education with graduate studies, attaining a Master’s Degree in 1996 and a plus 45 in 2003. For many years, he farmed during the summer, as farming was in his blood. In 1988, Dave & family moved from Grand Island to the Phillips area where they lived on land once owned by Dave's great grandfather Charles Barr Mabon. Dave enjoyed living in the Phillips area, where he was surrounded by relatives and former classmates and many friends. He had been looking forward to chairing this years' Alumni Banquet. Family and Family History were very important to Dave. He loved having family visit & vacationing with family. He and Terri had many adventures with the grandchildren, highlights being weeks spent on the farm & attending summer class at Stuhr Museum. Dave was thrilled when Bailey & Aaron made him a great grandfather. He enjoyed trips to Kearney to watch Jaclyn cheer at UNK events and time with Brett roasting marshmallows at the river pasture. The Platte River provided much enjoyment for Dave and family. He is survived by his wife Terri, children, Dawn (Mark) Waage, and Derek Mabon; his grandchildren; Bailey (Aaron) Langford, Jaclyn Mabon, Brett Waage, and great grandson, Jude Langford; brother, James (Sallie)Mabon, sister, Susan (Richard) Summers; aunts, Marise Hopkins, Royce Mabon, and Carol Mabon; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Sandi & Dan Hansen, Vicki and Dean Wampler, Bobbi and Mike Rezac and brother-in-law, John Belz; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed and loved them all. In August of this year Dave's beloved daughter-in-law, Deborah Mabon, wife of Derek & mother of Jaclyn died. He was also proceeded in death by his parents, and his brother, Douglas Mabon.