David Dean Etter

David Dean Etter peacefully departed this life on January 30, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was at home, surrounded by his wife and children.
David was born in Warrensburg, MO, on October 2, 1949, the first child of Guy Franklin Etter and Mary Viola Tipton Etter.
He was followed by siblings, Rebecca Ann Diesel (Marion), Joyce Etter, Martha Louise Postel (Bruce), and Paul James Etter (Jeanne).
On June 3, 1972, David married Terresa Ann Yeates, and together they were gifted with four children, Susan Wynn Waisner (Scott), Sharon Elizabeth McGinley, Melinda Dawn Mann (Matthew), and Michael David Etter (Danielle).
He was blessed by eleven grandchildren: Faith Waisner Hartness (Tyler), Braden Waisner (Bri), Corinne Waisner (A.J.), Lucy Etter, Isabelle McGinley, Caleb Mann, Julian Etter, Ethan Etter, Ian McGinley, Clara Mann, Hannah Mann. Three precious great-grandchildren include Grayson, Priscilla, and Izayla.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mary Etter; his sister, Joyce Etter; and his son-in-law, Mark McGinley.
David made a commitment to Jesus Christ as a child and lived his life accordingly. Given the gift of music, he began singing and leading congregational songs as a teen. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Southwest Baptist College (University) of Bolivar, MO, in 1973.
He was awarded his Masters of Music degree with emphasis in conducting from the Conservatory of Music, UMKC, Kansas City, MO in 1978, and earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX, in 1994.
David’s career included serving as music minister in Baptist churches in MO, IL, and TX. In 1990, the Etter family moved to Williamsburg KY, where David joined the Music Department of Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands).
He would spend his entire 26-year career as voice instructor, conductor of Chorale, music director of musical theater, and teacher of church music courses, among other duties.
David’s involvement in First Baptist Church, Williamsburg, was constant as a deacon, choir member, Food Pantry volunteer, and president of the Men’s Bible Class. He also served as an officer of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club and as president of the Captain Charles Gatliff chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
David will be remembered as a loving father who was dedicated to God, his country and his family. He had the privilege of impacting hundreds of lives through his work at UC, as he passed on his love of the Lord and of music.
The funeral service was held at First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Burial followed in the Highland Park Cemetery, Ellison Addition.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “Friends of Music, University of the Cumberlands” or to the “Food Pantry, First Baptist Church, Williamsburg KY
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.