David Drew Bernard III

Obituary DAVID DREW BERNARD III This is the story of David Drew Bernard, III. David was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our “Dad,” as his boys called him, “Big Dave,” as his friends called him, “Uncle Dave,” as his special niece and nephews called him, and "My Boaz,” as his wife called him. David III’s, story begins on October 8, 1978 in Kansas City MO, the youngest child, to Brenda Brown and to the man he called “Papadu” that meant everything to him, that inspired him, his dad, David Drew Bernard Jr. David's older Sister Robin shared a bond like no other and he loved her dearly. They always knew each other’s thoughts without saying a word. They could sense each other’s hurts and frustrations even if they were miles apart. Growing up they were inseparable while running around their dear Grandma Emma’s house. And the love they both shared for her was immeasurable. Grandma Emma and their Dad laid the perfect foundation for them to become the kind humble adults they are today. David III (Dave), was an extremely smart and independent kid. He loved playing baseball and golf at a young age but as he began to grow into “Big Dave” football became his main sport. Dave was a scholar athlete and he dominated on and off the gridiron at Lincoln High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He was once quoted in high school “My attitude is to dominate, not just get by.” Dave was recruited by several Division I and II colleges, but he felt Missouri Western State College was his best choice so that his family could see him play. So, on signing day February 5, 1997 he committed and received a full scholarship to play football. So, after graduating high school in 1997, he was college bound. Dave was very dominate on the gridiron there where he was the left tackle/offensive linemen from 1997-2000. He always demonstrated good sportsmanship on the football field, one example in 1999 he played fourteen career games with seven starts. The values he got from playing sports taught him teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic, resiliency, and dedication which he instilled in his sons, Darius and Drew. While in college, Dave "crossed the burning sands" to become a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and was renamed “Kolossus” by his Line-Brothers. Dave began his career at FedEx Freight in 2001 as a Dock Worker in St. Joseph, MO. He took advantage of any and all opportunities presented to him and quickly began his rise through the company. In 2003 he was promoted to operations supervisor at the KCY hub in Edwardsville, KS and moved back home to Kansas City. Dave was promoted numerous times at KCY until he became Service Center Manager in Topeka, KS. After some time of commuting every day (rain, sleet or snow because he was determined to be home every night with his family) from KC to Topeka, he was promoted again to Assistant Service Center Manager back at the KCY hub. And in 2017, he was promoted to Service Center Manager St. Louis, MO where he managed 500 employees with ease. Dave has received numerous awards while at FedEx Freight; Three Living PSP Awards, Two Bravo Zulu Awards, One Extra Mile Award, and Two 5 Star Awards the highest awards presented at FedEx Freight. Dave was recently chosen to represent FedEx Freight in the Global Leadership Program in Bangkok, Thailand. And if time had permitted, he would have been there from February 6-March 6, 2020, using his freight knowledge to help grow freight companies in that country. He was so looking forward to that trip and the challenges it held! Dave loved the challenge of FedEx Freight and he loved to motivate and mentor people while delivering the "Purple Promise" BUT Dave loved his family most! On September 17, 2005 he married the love of his life Christie Michelle and was blessed with two sons, Darius and Drew. Dave was always determined to instill character traits such as integrity, honesty, hard work, perseverance, and determination into his sons. He wanted nothing but the best for his wife, Christie, and worked hard every day to provide for his family and be at every event, athletic game, and school function his boys were involved in. Dave also took great pride in his “Special” Niece, Marcedes’ accomplishments and was so proud of his Nephew, Maurice Jr.’s baseball and academic accomplishments. And let’s not forget his love for Kansas City Chiefs! He and his brother in Love Jackson Jr. would sit in their recliners all day on Sunday and cheer or yell depending on the score all day long. Their bond was unmatched! And he loved seeing his other nephews, Jay, Jarrel, Jevon, and Jason succeed in their various aspects of life. And the moments he got to sit and talk with his Father in Love Alfred Luke he cherished. Dave was a true leader, he excelled at work and at home. He enjoyed a good challenge and strived for excellence from himself daily. He was a true provider for his family. His humility was like no other, he counted all his accomplishments and success as true blessings from God. David was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church. He was also a Past Master of Mt. Oread #76 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) of Missouri and Mt. Oread Chapter #6, Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Missouri Holy Royal Arch Masons. Dave's Father, David Jr., Grandfather, David Sr., Grandmother Clara, and his Dearest Grandmother, Emma Brown, preceded him in death. Dave leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife, Christie Michelle, of 14 years; his sons, Darius and Drew; his beloved Sister, Robin Bruce (Maurice); his special niece and nephew, Marcedes and Maurice Jr.; his Mother in Love, Earnestine Lyle; his Father in Love, Alfred Luke; his Brother in Love, Jackson Lyle Jr.; 4 additional nephews, Jackson III, Jarell, JeVon, and Jason; his Granny in Love, Glendora Johnson and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Great Nieces, Great Nephew, Cousins, Friends, Line Brothers and Colleagues. The story of David Drew Bernard, III does not end, God offers us the one thing that no other character in any other story can offer us eternal life with Him. Funeral Services were held Monday, November 18, 2019 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in KCMO. Private disposition. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Drew Bernard III, please visit our floral store. Read More

David Drew Bernard III

October 8, 1978 - November 11, 2019