David Alden Brace's Obituary
David Alden Brace age 88, of Moline Kansas, passed away at Pittsburg Ascension Via Christi Hospital on Friday, February 10, 2023.
David was born February 5, 1935 to M.A.(Jack) Brace and Ivah Aline (McGuire) Brace in the Moline Schaffer Hospital, now the Museum. The Brace family lived in the Star Neighborhood of Moline on the family farm. David attended Star School for 7 years until 1949, then graduated from Moline High School in 1953.
He went on to attend Kansas State Agricultural College in 1953, where he was active in ROTC. He received a History and Government degree and began Law school at the University of Kansas in 1956, graduating with Juris Doctorate in 1959. He passed the bar exam in 1960, and began his law career in Labette County. He then moved back to Moline in 1961, where he began his own law practice.
Shortly thereafter, David was introduced to a Wichita school teacher. On June 14, 1964, David married Marilyn McClellan, formerly of Phillips County. Together they raised 2 daughters, and in a few months would’ve celebrated 59 wonderful years together.
In his career, he sought the county attorney position in 1963, and remained seated until retiring in 2004, leaving a legacy as the longest serving Prosecutor in the state of Kansas. He was awarded as Favorite Prosecutor by the KBI. In 2020, he was recognized for 60 years of service by the Kansas Bar Association as an attorney, and Counselor of Law.
David was involved in many community activities. He was Secretary/Treasurer of the Moline Rodeo Association, serving on the Board for decades. He was an active member of the Moline United Methodist Church, he was active on the Moline Museum Board, the Church Board, the Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Moline Alumni, and the Democratic State Committee. He was instrumental in getting the Medical Clinic built in Moline, and served as Attorney for the City of Moline as well as on the City Council.
David is survived by his wife, Marilyn of the home; daughters, Dedra Sinclair of Wichita, KS, and Sally Brock and son-in-law Matt of Redfield, KS; grandchildren, Alex (Mary) Brock, Emma Sinclair, Annie Brock, Sarah Sinclair, and Alaina Brock. He also leaves many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Virginia Huntington. He was a member of the Moline Methodist Church.
David was a public servant at heart. His door was always open to out of town folks who wanted to know Elk county history, or find background on their former family members. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a beloved “Uncle Dave” who made sure all nieces and nephews knew how to fish. He loved to be at the lake or at the pond in a boat. David is one of the last of the Star School Family. The grandkids loved to walk the hill, explore the remains of the house at the farm, and be given a tour of the museum. He was a good and faithful servant.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS. Burial will follow in the Moline City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Moline Medical Clinic or the Moline Library and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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