David H. Sturm

David H. Sturm

September 18, 1943 — January 10, 2020

David H. Sturm, 76, of Burnet, Texas, took his final flight on Jan. 10, 2020. He was born on Sept. 18, 1943 to Herbert Edwin and Mary Elizabeth (Ross) Sturm in Wichita, Kansas. He honorably served in the U.S. Army where he was recognized for his for his skill and accuracy as a sharpshooter. Upon discharge, David earned his associate’s degree and began his civilian career.

This man was truly a jack-of-all-trades and had a vast spectrum of knowledge – everything from plumbing to piloting. He was a bush pilot for several years and transported tourists, hunters, and assisted rescue teams in remote wooded areas of Alaska. While on a rural island in Alaska, he built a little shack for himself strictly from items found along the beach. With astounding skill, he even made his own shingles for the roof by carving them out of a tree. David’s resourcefulness and skill didn’t stop with the shack on the beach, he also built his own home from the ground up including plumbing and electrical. Finally, another skill of David’s was captaining a tugboat. As the captain of “Miss Allie,” he was responsible for towing large ships, barges and platforms.

David was a member of the Confederate Air Force and often participated in air shows across Texas, especially the Bluebonnet Air Show in Burnet. He always nurtured a love for flying and had a deep appreciation for historical planes.

David was intelligent and resourceful, though he was never one to brag. He liked to remind his wife, Joyce, that she was the reason he lived to be 76. He will be remembered for his big, bright smile and warm eyes. Fly high, David!

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joyce Sturm of Burnet; step-sons, Glenn Trombley of Burnet, William Trombley and wife Floral of Michigan, Clifford Trombley and wife Tina of Michigan; sisters, Virginia and Pat; and numerous grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 at Putnam Funeral Home, 145 Texas Avenue, in Kingsland, with Pastor Travis Gunn officiating. Military honors will be performed by Highland Lakes Honor Guard. An online guest book may be signed at PutnamCares.com.

David’s care entrusted to Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory, 145 Texas Avenue, Kingsland, Texas 78639. (325) 388-0008.