David Paul Milstead

David Paul Milstead

August 4th, 1955 - May 1st, 2023

David P. Milstead, born to Dean and Alyce P. Milstead of Marion, Oregon; on Thursday, Aug. 4th, 1955 at Salem Memorial Hospital died on Monday, May 1st, 2023 in Marion, Oregon. David passed in the comfort of his childhood home and was cared for by family during his final years.

David was a determined and hardworking individual who began his early life as a farmhand in the rural outskirts of Turner, Oregon. Within a few months of having graduated from Cascade High School in 1973, David enlisted into the United States Marine Corps.

David served the USMC both honorably and with distinction. He was awarded Good Conduct and National Defense medals for his service abroad. David's most recognizable contribution while serving was his involvement in the evacuation of the Saigon embassy during the end of the Vietnam war. David was honorably discharged from duty in August of 1975 after having achieved the rank of Corporal.

On May 5th during the spring of 1979, David married Karen S. Peters of Coos Bay, Oregon; and on January 7th of 1981 they welcomed their first son, Jeremy M. Milstead.

After having moved to Texas for a short period of time, David found his calling with Philips Products of Stayton, Oregon. In May of 1983, David began what would become a 26 year-long career that would span across numerous vital roles within the company.

Nearly seven years following the birth of their first son, David and Karen Milstead of Marion, Oregon; welcomed their second son, Dustin P. Milstead, on July 30th of 1987.

At the height of his career with Philips Products, David wrote and implemented software for the company's nationwide production facilities. David's principled approach to problem solving, his capacity for ingenuity, and his commitment to loyalty afforded him numerous successes and recognition among both his family and his peers.

During his retirement David enjoyed spending his time with family, discovering shared interests, and being involved with his grandchildren. His early passions ranged from a love for driving, frequent trips to the Oregon coast, to hunting, fishing, and family gatherings. Later in his life David took an interest in computer software programming and dedicated a lot of his spare time pursuing the development of his own software.

David was preceded in death by his brother Dean Davis, his sister Barbara D. Milstead, his father Dean P. Milstead, his mother Alyce P. Milstead, and his sister Katherine P. Schreiner.

David is survived by five siblings, Ted P. Milstead, Homer L. Milstead, Thomas L. Davis, Larry Davis, and Linda Davis. His two sons, Jeremy M. Milstead and Dustin P. Milstead, as well as four grand-children, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

David's stoic and generous personality will be sorely missed in the days ahead. His humble, caring, and yet stern and unwavering spirit will serve as inspiration for many generations.