David "Spanky" Crippen
October 25, 2016
David “Spanky” Crippen, 66, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. David John was born February 22, 1950 in Des Moines to Dorothy (Gillespie) and Phillip Crippen.
Spanky was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who will be remembered for his golden heart and his sense of humor. Spanky was a huge advocate for charities and fundraisers. He loved to give back to the community. He was a true south sider and never left the south side. Spanky was a former President of the Friendly Sons and he was an integral key player in the start-up of South Side Cares. He was also involved in the Kids With A Wish Foundation. Spanky loved watching the Cubs, the Bears, old movies, old television shows and especially the $100 Movie, which he cohosted on KDSM 17 as G. Gordon Prescott. He was a manager of The Dog House in Des Moines for 5 years.
David is survived by his children, Erin Crippen and Kate Crippen; mother of his girls, Pamela Prohaska; grandsons, Darby James Larson and Eldon Oakes Larson; brothers, Phil (Carol) and Mel (Chris); many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death his parents; his brother, Joe and the love of his life, Rita Tuttle.
A gathering to celebrate David’s life will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 on Monday, October 31, 2016 at American Legion Hispanic Post 731, 1511 S. Union in Des Moines.
Memorial Contributions can be contributed to the following link/web page or you may also donate at the Memorial/Celebration.
https://gofund.me/davidcrippenfund
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jackie Sheesley
11/03/2016
A large hole has been left in my life. One of the dearest of my Irish friends has pasted & the light grows steadily a little dimmerer. Whwn I heard of Spanky's illness I was devastated as I was suffering from my own afflictions in my confinement at a near by Nursing Home/Care Center. I have been blessed in that not being from Des Moines, I had the fortune of meeting Spanky twice in my life: once as a hippie, pool playing College intellectual at Drake & later again as a deep thinking, beer swirling song belting (with Speck & Spank) hard core Irishnan. I have loved & admired Spanky since I first met him & more & more as I grew to know him. It was hard to find some one to share my very deep love of my Irish heritage, Ireland & all things Ireland & to get out on St. Pat's & revele with me in some good Irish beers, great old Irish songs & good times after the parade, expecially as my health as continued to fail. A candle will always burn bright in my heart & a tear in my ear For a dear ole' friend of mine.
Kirk Dickey
10/30/2016
First met Dave at Park Avenue grade school. Always a great friend and what a character!
Used to make me laugh so hard my stomach would hurt the next day.
A good man, a good friend to many. He will be greatly missed
Lenora Whitacre
10/29/2016
So sorry for your loss. Dave was a one in a million.whitacrelenora86@
Pat Yates and the boys
10/28/2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Sharon Burman
10/28/2016
We only met Dave once when he was helping with a fundraiser for a family in trouble. What a generous spirit!
Frank Sanchez
10/28/2016
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Family and friends, rest in peace Spanky .!!!
Jon Peterson
10/27/2016
I always appreciated Dave and his sense of humor. i have many many fond memories of being his neighbor and the jokes and his laughter. He made everyone feel special.
Becky Shoemaker- Geist
10/27/2016
Dave had a great spirit to his personality! A marvelous heart for his family and friends. Hugs to all his family & friends who feel this loss!! Your contagious smile is truly missed! Glad you are at peace now Dave....
Michele Harclerode
10/27/2016
God gained another angel with your passing. I love you as did countless other people. Love Michele Riverside, California
Brian
10/27/2016
I'm sorry for your loss, in tribute last night I shot a elephant in my pajamas, how it got in my pajamas I'll never know, rip bud
Shirley phillips kunkle
10/27/2016
So sorry for your loss.
Julie Antenucci
10/27/2016
May the light of Heaven shine on your grave. May the smile of God light you to Glory. ??
Vickey and Scott Durham
10/27/2016
May the peace of the Lord be with you all in this time of sorrow, and may he wrap his arms around you to guide you through!!!
Sincerely,
Scott and Vickey Durham
Nancy (Reynolds) Franklin, Charleston, SC
10/26/2016
I was saddened to hear from Mary Sue Maxon Clark of your passing. You really put up a great fight. We were both diagnosed around the same time Feb 2014. Can't imagine going thru chemo more than once. Second year of remission for me. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.