David Andrew Niven

David Andrew Niven, age 97, of Manawa found peace at home in the care of his family, Saturday May 23, 2009. He was born February 14, 1912 in Crawford, Indiana, the third of six children to William and Mary (Ovans) Niven. He graduated in 1928 from Goodman High School at the age of 16. He worked on the family farm until his first job at the Goodwin Mill as a sawyer. He was proud of the fact that during the Depression, he was able to stand in line for two weeks and get a job at General Motors Truck and Coach at Pontiac, Michigan. David learned to fly in 1937 and bought his first airplane the same year. He taught civilian pilot training in 1937 until the start of WWII. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 as Lt. Commander JG. During his time in the Service, he trained pilots in the last stage of flight school, flew transcontental, was assigned as a pilot for the admirals, and finished his last 7 years in the Navy as a test pilot. David married Alice Jeanne Bryant in December of 1945. He was requested by Admiral Byrd to fly a mission to Antarctica but declined the invitation, staying home for the birth of his first daughter. He retired from the Navy in 1947 and returned to work at General Motors until 1952 at which time he moved to Manawa. He purchased the Manawa Gamble Store and ran it until 1976 when he retired. During his time in Manawa, he was a member of the Manawa City Council for four years, member of the Manawa Masonic Lodge # 82 F&AM, Manawa Industries, Manawa Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and Central County Flyers. He continued his passion for flying until the age of 95 at which time he sold his plane. He is survived by his children: Nichoe Susan Lichen, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Becky Lynn (Doug) Creamer, Waupaca; David Mark (Kay) Niven, Manawa; grandchildren: Donovan (Patti) Mello, Jennifer (Tom) Creamer, Amber (Brian) Essenmacher, Jessica (Paul) Ryan, Cory (Michelle) Niven, Erza and Isaac Engelson, Josh Creamer; great grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Jacob, Hannah, Joshua, Taylor, Madysen and Brody; a sister: Dorothy Zovnik, Depere; special friend: Norma; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alice, and three brothers: Gordon, Hugh and Donald; a sister: Marjorie and granddaughter: Elisha (Sunshine) Mello. A Memorial Service for David will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 30, 2009 at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa, conducted by the Manawa Masonic Lodge #82 F&AM. There will be a memorial visitation at the funeral home Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place 1:30 p.m. Sunday May 31, 2009 at the Dunbar Cemetery with graveside Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's fund. David's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Arc Angels (Patti, Christine, Darla, Jackie, Tammy, Lois and Jill), also thanks to Dr. Goedderz and for the warm care from the Theda Care Hospice nurses.