David F. Sallee

David F. Sallee, 83, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at La Vida Llena in Albuquerque, New Mexico, due to complications from dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family and the compassionate staff who cared for him.

David was born October 17, 1942, in Macomb, Illinois, to Eugene M. and Sally R. Sallee, the eldest of five children. His father was a World War II Army Infantry veteran who served in the Pacific Theater and later became Procter & Gamble’s first analytical chemist, where he built a distinguished 30-year career. His mother, Sally, earned a degree in home economics from Western Illinois State Teachers College and devoted herself to raising their family.

David grew up in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, where he developed the discipline, curiosity, and quiet determination that would define his life. He attended Deer Park and Green Hills High Schools, worked summers as a lifeguard, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout—an achievement he carried with pride throughout his life.

He graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964, and soon afterward answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. He completed Officer Training School in San Antonio, Texas, and Communications Officers Training in Biloxi, Mississippi, before serving as a communications officer at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. David later earned a master’s degree in space physics engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and went on to serve as a Minuteman Missile Launch Officer at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He also earned a Master of Business Administration through the Minuteman Education Program at the University of Wyoming.

While stationed in Ohio, David’s life changed forever when he felt drawn to visit a small Methodist church and heard Bonnie Rae Sprunger singing in a quartet with her family. He joined the choir soon after, and what began with shared music grew into a deep and enduring love. David and Bonnie married in 1968 and shared 58 devoted years together.

David’s military career brought the family to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their daughter, Tonda, was born in 1971, and later to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their son, Troy, was born in 1972. The family ultimately returned to Albuquerque, which became their lifelong home. David served honorably in the U.S. Air Force Systems Command and Strategic Air Command from 1964 until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1986. His distinguished service was recognized with numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal, among others.

Following his military career, David continued his lifelong commitment to service by becoming a nursing home administrator. He served residents and families with dignity and compassion at facilities in Artesia, New Mexico, and Farwell, Texas, while living in Clovis, New Mexico. Dave also found great joy in tutoring fourth- and fifth-grade students in math. With patience and care, he helped each child build confidence and understanding, quietly shaping young lives through his kindness and dedication. David and Bonnie later retired to La Vida Llena in Albuquerque.

David had a natural gift for conversation and storytelling. Friends and family enjoyed listening as he recounted experiences from throughout his life, often delivered with a twinkle in his eye and his familiar reminder to “never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.”

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie Rae Sallee; his daughter, Tonda Marie Sallee of San Antonio, Texas; his son, Troy Denton Sallee and his wife, Brenda, of Pensacola, Florida; and his cherished grandchildren, Andrew D. Sallee, Jacob K. Sallee, and Finley J. Sallee. He is also survived by his brothers, Fred M. Sallee and his wife, Anna, of Lubbock, Texas, and Robert J. Sallee and his wife, Susie, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and his sister, Janet L. Sallee and her husband, Graig, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene M. Sallee and Sally R. Sallee, and his sister, Katherine M. Dolle.

A Celebration of Life honoring David will be held at 2:00 p.m., May 1, 2026, in the courtyard at La Vida Llena in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Rev. Tom Lamothe officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the La Vida Llena Employee Appreciation Fund, 10501 Lagrima de Oro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.