David A. Filkins

Our beloved David Allan Filkins, 75, of Charlotte, had a massive heart attack and died peacefully, slipping from our hands into the arms of his Heavenly Father on February 2, 2022. David was exceptionally kind, disciplined, and loving. He enjoyed motorcycling, backpacking, snowshoeing, snow blowing, and walking. He had a great appreciation for music and he always had time for a pun. David and his family lived in several communities in upstate New York, New Jersey, Colorado and most recently the last 19 years in Charlotte, Michigan. His friendships transcended state lines. David was a man of faith, prayer, and Scripture.
David was born in Auburn, New York, the son of Donald Allan Filkins and Jean Hamill Filkins. He lived in Elbridge, New York most of his school years, played trombone in the band, worked for local farmers and in construction building homes. David enjoyed fixing things. He attended Auburn Community College before joining the United States Air Force. He repaired airborne navigation equipment and enjoyed playing in the Drum and Bugle Corps. Another assignment was with the 57th Air Rescue and Recovery during Apollo missions. He was responsible for initiating a work co-op program between the University of Dayton School of Engineering and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
David was the best man at his brother, Doug’s wedding to Kathy, and her housemate, Brynda, sang during their ceremony. One year later, David married Brynda Van Skike and finished his BSEE at Syracuse University. David worked in several capacities over the years: engineer, sales, computers, artificial intelligence, project management and teacher. In Charlotte, he was a reading and math tutor to hundreds of students. That allowed David and Brynda to work side by side which was a delight to both of them. He often reminded her that “We are a team” and they were.
David and Brynda spent 50 years together and had three daughters: Vanessa, Melissa and Allison. He loved watching them grow into outstanding young women. He will be remembered as a devoted follower of Christ, a gentleman, a hard worker, a helper, a sacrificial giver, a loving father and a beloved husband.
David is survived by his family whom he loved: his wife, Brynda, of Charlotte; his daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Gad Krumholz of Lago Vista, Texas, and Allison and Mark Hagen of Manchaca, Texas; his brothers, Douglas (Kathryn) Filkins of Westchester, Illinois and Timothy (Rhonda) Filkins of Elbridge, New York; brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Vanessa Filkins of Austin, Texas. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given, if desired, to the Navigators, P.O. Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934 (a Christian ministry) or a charity of one’s choice. David was a gift from God.
To view David’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.