David York

David Wayne York (loving husband, father, grandfather, grillmaster, business owner and all around Nice Guy) passed away on March 25th, 2023 in Urbana, Illinois after a brief battle with cancer.

David was born February 19th, 1957 to Leonard and Shirley (Masse) York in Rockford, Illinois. He married Mary Margaret Showers on July 16, 1977. She survives him. Also surviving is their son Michael York and his husband Ryan Pratt of Saratoga, California. Stepmother Barbara York of Rockford Illinois. His cousin Holly Pope of Clearwater Florida. Nakia, Lisa and Isaiah Benson of Mahomet, Illinois. His Creve Coeur family, and dear friends Doug and Kaydee Byers of Neoga, Illinois; Beth Niswonger of Urbana, Illinois; Larry and Pat Naruz of Durand, Illinois; Alan and Wendy Yang (Daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Sophia) of Beijing. Brothers-in-law Roger Showers of Rockford, Illinois; Stan Showers (Mary) of Roscoe, Illinois; sisters-in-law Wendy Ellingson (Bill) of Poplar Grove, Illinois; Connie Hazer (Bill) of Loves Park, Illinois. His loyal employees Dale Peterson, Brandon Pine, Gwen Belyea, Steven Wright and Ryan Doughty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Ralph Showers and sisters-in-law Jackie McGonigal and Jean Powers. His precious cocker spaniel Patches and his amazing grandcat Max are with him on the other side.

David graduated from Harlem High School in 1975 and attended Rock Valley College. Shortly after graduation he was hired by Kmart to manage the Automotive Department. He worked in outside sales for IC Webb and Hilti Fastening Systems. He opened Illini Contractors Supply in March of 1990 and ran it for 33 years until his death. He was sales manager for eFire Asia from 2011 until 2015.

During his career Dave attended IUPUI for continuing education as well as many other business classes from organizations to which he belonged.

Dave loved entertaining and cooking for family and friends. He lived for spending time at Lake Mattoon on weekends where he hosted many parties and pontoon boat cruises. Dave enjoyed traveling and visited four continents. He marveled at the snow-capped Colorado Rockies and the architecture of Chicago and San Francisco. Dave enjoyed attending concerts and live theater, especially Roger Waters performing The Wall live at Wrigley Field with his son Michael. David loved his country, was a big fan of Illinois Football, Mens and Womens Basketball and the Chicago Cubs. Dave loved animals and animals loved him. He was named an honorary firefighter by the Chicago Fire Department for his work in fire safety and building collapse training.

David lived his life with love in his heart and happiness in his soul. His widow Mary was the love of his life, his best friend and his biggest supporter. His biological son, son-in-law and many surrogate children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He is greatly missed by many human and animal souls every day.

David will be honored in a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 1pm-4pm at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL. 61820

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com