In Loving Memory

David Eugene Tiller

September 15, 1951 to December 15, 2023

David passed away from an unexpected illness in Tampa, FL on December 15, 2023. David was born in St. Joseph MO to the parents of Raymond & Betty Tiller, their first son. David attended elementary and middle school in St. Joseph, and high school in Savanna MO, San Lorenzo CA, & graduating from Central High School in St. Joseph Mo in 1969.

David married his high school sweetheart Jamie Suzanne Rensing on June 7, 1969, and they 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 began working at Geotz Brewing Co right out of high school while attending Missouri Western College. During his college career he worked for Quaker Oats Company until he was offered a position with Continental Can Company (CCC) in 1973.

David loved learning! He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Missouri Western and furthered his education with a Masters Degree in Business Administration Human Resources from University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) in 1974, all while working full-time with a family.

David continued his career at CCC and relocated to Omaha, NE and stayed until his promotion to Assistant Plant Manager and relocation to Plant 429 in Olympia, WA in 1978. David’s career continued to flourish with Crown Cork & Seal (CROWN) who purchased CCC until his departure in 1991. In 1991 David laded an Executive Labor Relations position with Southdown Cement in Louisville, KY. David continued his success with the company when they were purchased by CEMEX where he was promoted to Vice President of Human Resources & Labor Relations in 1997 and was relocated to Tampa, FL. During his career with CEMEX, it allowed him to opportunity to travel to their Headquarters in Monterrey Mexico, Dublin Ireland, Insead University France, Spain, Trinidad, Jamaica and even taught a semester at Standford University in their Business School MBA program.

David retired from CEMEX in 2018 and then shortly opened a consulting firm for himself, David E. Tiller Labor Relations where he continued his relationship with CEMEX and assisted in California and recently South/North Dakota only 2 months prior to is passing. where he remained consulting until the day of his passing.

David had a zest for life and had a comedic whit like no other. His smile that would light up a room, he was funny, entertaining, and his laugh was contagious. Its almost impossible not to smile when you heard it.

David enjoyed golfing, white water rafting, hiking, biking, and traveling the world. David deeply loved his family and friends. He loved sports it was a family event to see some of his favorite teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Lightning (his favorite), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Tampa Bay Rays. He was able to attend many games both home and away & was a season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

David was extremely loved by his family & very respected by his family & peers. He had a “Wonderful Life” His family & friends have many fond and wonderful memories of the time that was shared with him. He was loved by everyone that was close to him & will be greatly missed.

David was preceded in death by his wonderful parents Raymond & Betty Tiller, St. Joseph, MO, wife Jamie (Rensing) Tiller, Tampa, FL, sister Deanna Kendall, Wathena, KS, & nephew Rusty Kendall, St. Joseph, MO.

David remarried and is survived by wife Yu Mei (Linda) Chen, Tampa, FL, daughter Mickie & Scott Bishopp, Olympia, WA, brothers Ron & Cheryl Tiller, St. Joseph, MO, Jeff & Kathy Tiller, Kansas City, MO, Garry Tiller & John Hawley, Washington DC, Ray Tiller & Pam Dickerson, Smithville, MO. Nieces/Nephews: Kim & Jim Kline, Wathena, KS, Pam & Rick Richter, Savanah, MO, Derek & May Ann Tiller, St. Joseph, MO, Hayley Tiller, Overland Park, KS, & Raymond Tiller, Kansas City, MO. He also is survived by many cousins.

Peace to our beloved David.

Services dates/time for David in St. Joseph, MO, Tampa, FL, and Olympia, WA are forthcoming. A website has been created to share stories, photos & memories @ https://everloved.com/life-of…

David asks for no flowers but to reach out to the following charities if you wish to donate in his honor: American Heart Association or you may donate a to plant a tree in his name. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/david-tiller/obituary/

Copy