David E Tiller's Obituary
David E. Tiller, 72, passed away unexpectedly at Advent Health in Tampa, FL on December 15, 2023, in the company of his loving wife, Linda Chen. Born on September 15, 1951, in St. Joseph, MO; David was the first-born son of Raymond & Betty Tiller.
David attended elementary and middle school in St. Joseph and graduated from Central High School in 1969. David married his high school sweetheart Jamie Rensing on June 7, 1969, and remained happily married for 50 years until her passing in October 2018 from cancer. They welcomed their daughter Mickie (Tiller) Bishopp into the family on March 24, 1970.
David loved learning, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri Western College in 1973 and furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1974. David also had a strong work ethic and began working at Goetz Brewing Co. right out of high school while attending Missouri Western. He also worked for Quaker Oats Company during college until he was offered a position with Continental Can Company (CCC) in 1973.
David continued his career at CCC and relocated to Omaha NE, where he stayed until his promotion to Human Resources Manager, Olympia, WA in 1978.His career continued to flourish with CCC until CCC was purchased by Crown Cork and Seal in 1991. David landed a new job offer as an Executive Labor Relations with Southdown Cement in Louisville, KY in 1991, David continued his success with the company when they were purchased by CEMEX and was promoted in 1997 to Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations in Tampa, FL. His career with CEMEX allowed him the opportunity to travel to CEMEX headquarters in Monterrey, Mexico; Dublin, Ireland; Insead University, France; Spain; Trinidad; Jamaica; and even taught a semester at Stanford University in their MBA program. David retired from CEMEX in 2018 and opened his own consulting firm, David E. Tiller Labor Relations. He continued his relationship with CEMEX, consulting in California, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida.
David had a zest for life, a smile that would light up a room, and a deeply kind and sincere spirit. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed golfing, fitness, and traveling the world. In retirement, David visited numerous states in the U.S., Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Adriatic Countries, and even Taiwan (where his wife Linda was born). He also loved sports, and watching his favorite teams with his family. David was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Lightning (his favorite), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Tampa Bay Rays. David had a wonderful life and deeply loved his family and friends and was deeply loved in return. His family and friends have many fond and wonderful memories of the time shared with him and he will be greatly missed.
David is predeceased by his wonderful parents, Raymond and Betty Tiller, St. Joseph, MO; wife, Jamie (Rensing) Tiller, Tampa, FL; sister, Deanna Kendall, Wathena, KS; and nephew, Rusty Kendall, St. Joseph, MO.
David remarried and is survived by his wife, Linda Chen, Tampa, FL; daughter Mickie and Scott Bishopp, Olympia, WA; brothers, Ron & Cheryl Tiller, St. Joseph, MO; Jeff & Kathy Tiller, Kansas City, MO; Garry Tiller and John Hawley, Washington D.C.; Ray Tiller and Pam Dickerson, Smithville, MO; nieces/nephews, Kim and Jim Kline, Wathena, KS; Pam and Rick Richter, Savannah, MO; Derek and May Ann Tiller, St. Joseph, MO; Hayley Tiller, Overland Park, KS; and Raymond Tiller, Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by many cousins.
Family and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life. Services will be held in Tampa, FL; St. Joseph, MO; and Olympia, WA; dates are forthcoming. A website has been created to share stories, photos, and memories at www.trinitymemorial.com/obituaries
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