David Joe Tugman

David Joe Tugman, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed from this life into his eternal life, surrounded by his family on February 15, 2024 at the age of 81.  He was born on August 23, 1942 in Lebanon, MO to the late Jack and Mary Tugman.  David graduated from HS in 1959 and December of the same year joined the Navy and served six years with honor.  In April 1965 David found Christ as his personal savior, a pivotal moment that would shape his life’s journey.  It was also in this year that he met the love of his life Judith Ann Johnson.  On April 13, 1965, they exchanged vows, embarking on a lifelong journey of love and devotion. In 1971, at the age of 29, he surrendered himself to full-time ministry and relocated his family to Springfield MO. In 1974 he graduated with a double BA major in Music and Education from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO.  In that same year he accepted his first staff position as an Associate pastor, Music Minister and Youth Director in Indianapolis, ID that led to serving over 32 years in full-time ministry for eight different churches across six states.   May 1997 ended the full-time ministry for the Tugman’s.  In addition to his ministry, David’s professional journey included notable roles as an Account Executive for UPS, Fuel Transportation Manager for Town & County, and fifteen years of service at Anthony Mechanical Services, Inc.  His dedication, professionalism, and integrity left a lasting impact on all those he worked with.

David continued to teach, stayed active directing church choirs as well as being a substitute teacher and bus driver for Trinity Christian School.  He was a founding and active member of Victory Life Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX and sang and lead music for the Senior Trailblazers group.

Throughout his life, David touched the hearts of many with kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith.  He will be remembered for his joyful spirt, his love for music, and his commitment to spreading the word of God. One of David’s greatest blessings was listening and watching his beloved wife of 58 years play the piano or “tickle” the ivories as he would say and listening to his “Tugman girls” sing.  He loved nothing more than being able to spend time with his family.  David Joe Tugman, Husband, Dad, and Papa is going to be greatly missed but we know he is pain free singing and leading the best biggest choir in Heaven.

David, aka Tuggie, Tug, Tugman leaves behind a legacy of life and faith that will continue to inspire all who knew him.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy, his two daughters, Kari (Joe) Caldwell, Tonya (Jeff) Reasoner, who will forever cherish the memories and life lessons learned from their father.  His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Holli (Matt) Quinn, Grahm (Caitlin) Cooper, Braden Cooper; Step granddaughter, Taylor (Kendall) Reasoner; great grandchildren, Stone Cooper, Caden Quinn, Cohen Quinn, Sutton Cooper, Blair Cooper, Wren Cooper; siblings Kay (Bob) McClain, Betty (Dave) Miller, Don (April) Tugman. Aunt, Wanda Borcherding.

He is preceded in death by parents Jack Tugman and Mary Fry.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests Memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Ministry or Senior Trailblazers Ministry at Victory Life Church.  These donations will honor David’s passion for serving both the young and elderly in his community.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of David Joe Tugman, please visit our Tribute Store.