David Lee Hastings

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, heaven's gate opened, and David Lee Hastings was enfolded in the arms of our Lord and Savior. While the journey was difficult, Dave was secure in the knowledge of his salvation and his Lord's faithfulness in the promise of life everlasting. Dave was so loved by those who knew him and delighted in his playful antics and warm loving nature. His wife, Vicky, was taken by those blue eyes but in love with the man of character and compassion for his love for the less fortunate, whether it be stranger or simply an abandoned dog. His gentleness of cradling a newborn foal or old golden retriever won her heart. His endearments were priceless and his "Toots" she remains. Dave was born Sept. 9, 1945, in Oceola, Neb., to Tommy Sr. and Lula Maud (Duval) Hastings. He attended District 25 Country School and graduated from Monroe High School, Monroe, Neb. After Universal Trade School in Omaha, Neb., he entered the Air Force in 1966 to begin his military career. Dave retired after 26 years as Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, proudly serving in Vietnam, Thailand, England, and during Desert Storm. Additionally, he retired after 15 years as Senior Master Mechanic for Abbot Labratories in Austin, Texas. Those waiting to join Dave one day include his wife, Vicky, and children Jennifer Painter and husband Glen; and Jason Risley and wife Becca. Dave shared his love of critters with his grandchildren, Candace and Collin Camp, of Austin, Texas; and Katie and Nate Risley, of Colleyville, Texas. Memories of them picking out their own baby chicks and riding on Dolly, the donkey, add joy, yet today. Dave's brothers Tommy Jr. and wife Jo of Columbus, Neb.; Geary, of Schuyler, Neb.; Allen and wife Terri, of Albion, Ill.; Richard and wife Cindy of Columbus, Neb.; and Danny and wife Carol of Schuyler, Neb.; with their sister Mary and husband Chris, all await a joyful reunion with Dave one day. Dave's parents, Tommy Hastings Sr. and Lula Maud, with sister, Eva and husband Paul Cleary, welcomed him to his eternal home. A committal service with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, at Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ark. In keeping with Dave's passion to rescue sheltered critters, please make memorial donations to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, 32 Bella Vista Way, Bella Visa, Ark. 72715.