David Lynn Hershberger

David Lynn Hershberger, beloved brother, son, and uncle, musician, outdoorsman, and skydiver, passed away on June 14th, 2026 in a skydiving airplane crash in Butler, Missouri. He died with his boots on, doing what he loved.

David was born on March 10, 1972 in Topeka, Ks. to Calvin and RuthAnn Hershberger. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1990, and became a music teacher after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tabor College in 1995. He was the president of the Tabor College Student Music Association, Tabor College Chorale Publicity Chairman, and a member of the Tabor College Band Council. He then moved to Wichita and taught at Sunrise Christian Academy while earning a Master’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Wichita State University (1999). During his time at Wichita State, he earned an award for musical performance in the orchestra, and he was a member of the Honorary Band Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi, Beta Tau Chapter.

David moved to the Kansas City area to teach, finding a home in the North Kansas City School System teaching music to students and coaching sports.

David was a devout Christian, a passionate musician and teacher, and was a member of the Kansas City Wind Symphony since 2009, as well as participated for several years with the Opera in the Ozarks and one year with the DeSoto Brass Band (2012). He was an avid skydiver and skydiving instructor. He poured his life into teaching and his hobbies, tirelessly going from one to the next.

David is survived by his parents Calvin and RuthAnn Hershberger, two brothers Kevin Hershberger and Mark Hershberger, sister-in-law Kathy Hershberger, two nephews Jacob Hershberger and Micah Hershberger, and niece Grace Hershberger, along with multiple uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 on July 11th 2026 at Cornerstone Community Church, 7620 SW 21st St., Topeka, Ks. 66615. A private family inurnment will take place later.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in David's honor to the Kansas City Wind Symphony. Donations can be made here: http://kcwindsymphony.com/donate/ 

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