Obituary of TSgt. David Gentry Stechman, USAF,

David spent his younger years in Jamestown, having fun with his brothers climbing the mountains, building treehouses, and taking wild rides down the roads on the sled in the winter time. He also loved building models and fishing. He used the clay from a ravine to build bricks to build structures and play army with his brothers. He and his brothers frequently hiked up Jim Creek and went backpacking and camping.When David was ten his family moved to Longmont. He was very involved in Boy Scouts and achieved the level of Eagle Scout. He ran cross-country in high school and enjoyed riding his bike and delivering papers. He and his oldest brother John, rode their bikes up to Jamestown one time. He did a foreign exchange with a host family in Germany. He kept in touch with his German family for many years. After David graduated from high school, he joined the Air Force and after twenty years he retired from his duty station at NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs. He loved traveling and taking pictures, during his time of service. He met Janis while stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA, while his unit was volunteering at her work place. They started dating and were married a year later. David stepped into a father role with Janis' son, Daniel, whom he loved as his own. Shortly after, they had a daughter, Darci. He was reassigned to Colorado where David and Janis raised their children and foster children.David and Janis enjoyed family time, taking their children camping, fishing (Dave and Darci), and hiking. They enjoyed having extended family over for bar-b-ques and celebrations. They loved animals and have had many pets over the years….St. Bernards at the top of David's list. Every year at Christmas, they would pack all the children in the van, and drive to Longmont to spend Christmas Eve with Grandma Ellie, Grandpa Nick, and all the aunts, uncles and cousins. David was passionate about many things including photography and his VW bus. He loved taking nature and family pictures with his cameras. He also loved sharing his talent by taking pictures at family events and giving them as gifts. David was very loved by his family and all who knew him and met him. He had a very big heart and was well respected. He will be greatly missed. Events Service Saturday, September 10, 2016 10:00AM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611