David Charles McMahon, Chief Warrant Officer-4, U.S. Navy (Retired), of Gambier, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his residence.
He was born on September 27, 1942, in Gambier, Ohio, to the late Edward O. and Bernice (Dial) McMahon. David was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School and later earned his Associate of Science degree from Mohegan Community College in Norwich, Connecticut.
David proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 30 years, retiring on October 30, 1989. During his distinguished military career, he served during the Cuban Missile Crisis aboard the USS Kankakee and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam from October 1966 through September 1969 at Naval Support Activity Da Nang and the Detachments at Dong Ha and Cua Viet.
His additional sea duty assignments included the USS Aeolus, USS Ajax, and USS Ashtabula. His shore assignments took him around the world, including Naval Communications Stations in San Diego, California, and Exmouth, West Australia; Commander Service Forces Pacific in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and various recruiting commands in Ohio and Kentucky. He served in leadership roles including Recruiter-in-Charge, Zone Supervisor, Chief Recruiter, Area Trainer, and Command Master Chief.
On September 30, 1984, David was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and continued his service with assignments at Naval Communications Area Master Station Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia; Naval Telecommunications Center, Hampton Roads; and Naval Communications Unit London, England, from where he retired. He specialized in naval communications with a focus on physical and electronic security. His commendations include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
David was a life member of Amvets Post #95 and the Fleet Reserve Association. He also enjoyed golfing with friends and played in numerous leagues in Mount Vernon.
On October 12, 1969, David married Louann Frances Flowers Boyd in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Edward McMahon, Ralph Patrick McMahon, and a sister, Sharon Cockerham.
He is survived by his children, Kelly D. (Jack Masters) McMahon of Mount Vernon and Kevin D. (Carrie) McMahon of Howard, Ohio; his stepchildren, Joseph Lee Boyd of Mount Vernon, Sarah Anne (Joe) Seidwitz of Barberton, Ohio, and Kimberly (Jamie) Crews of Blackshear, Georgia; as well as seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a brother, George (Debra) McMahon of Nava Sota, Texas.
The family will observe a private graveside service with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council at a later date. David will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery in Gambier.
Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Knox County Animal Shelter or Knox County Humane Society.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com