David Fairbanks

David Conrad Fairbanks, of Council Bluffs went to his Lord and Savior on October 16, 2025. David was born December 9, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Margaret Bauer Fairbanks and Stanley Fairbanks on his father's 25th birthday.

David grew up on a farm northeast of Crescent where he and his siblings explored the Loess Hills, played basketball in the barn loft, learned how to care for farm animals, baled hay, picked sweet corn and walked beans. David graduated from Underwood High school in 1972. After graduation David was employed at Omaha Public Power district as a machinist and later a machinist planner and retired in 2014. David loved to participate in all kinds of sports and never missed reading the daily World Herald sports section. Dave played league basketball into his forties and liked to be the first one on the golf course. He loved tennis and he never missed the British Open. David's favorite teams included the Boston Celtics, Denver Broncos, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa. Recently he loved to watch Indiana Fever and the WNBA. David's OPPD family held a special place in his heart. He was known to outbid and win many hands of cards on lunch break. David wouldn't let you outbid his hand.

David accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and wasn't afraid to share the gospel. David volunteered at the Open Door Mission for many years and led several Bible studies. David's greatest accomplishment was the love for his daughters and it was important to him that they knew Jesus along with his precious grandchildren.

He leaves his wife of 41 years, Wendy; daughters, Patricia Fairbanks and Mallory Newman (Russell); two grandchildren, Adelia and David; surrogate son, Mike Blackbourn and his children, Madelyn, Amelia, and Archer; surrogate daughter, Sarah Kaelin; father, Stanley Fairbanks; brothers, Jon Fairbanks (Bridgette), Joe Fairbanks (Celeste); sister, Patti Dickerson (Dan); in-laws, Richard Ulmer (Jean), Gary James; sisters-in-law Stephanie Ainsworth, Stacey Thomas (John); brothers-in-law Jason James (Shari), Justin James (Kecia), and Gary Reed (Elizabeth); nephews, Ryan Anderson, Matt Anderson, Tyler Ainsworth, Dillon Ainsworth, Alec Fairbanks, Wyatt James, Quentin James, Corbin Wiggins, and Shay Melby; nieces, Adelicia Fairbanks, Irelynn James, Jada James, Jennifer Holz, Cheri Hadden (Adam), and Taya Thomas; special friend and neighbor, Ray Lieber.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Fairbanks; beloved aunt, Josephine Hamilton; mother-in-law, Patricia James; brother-in-law, Troy Ulmer.

In lieu of flowers the family will direct donations. A heartfelt thank you to CHI, UNMC and Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City physicians and medical staff.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Monday, October 20, 2025. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM at First Christian Church on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials in David's honor.