David Ernest Churchill

MINOT – David Ernest Churchill, 86, of Minot passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by his girls.

Born on March 13, 1940, Dave was the eldest son of Ralph and Shirley Churchill. He grew up in Hebron, Minot and later Auburn, and went on to serve four years in the military. Dave worked as a successful Truck Salesman at Morrison and Sylvester for almost 50 years before his retirement. One of his proudest accomplishments was as a successful marksman, winning countless awards at the state and national level, as well as maintaining a longstanding relationship with the local gun clubs.

Dave was the anchor of the Churchill family – raising his two girls as a single father for many years, being the most devoted husband to his wife, a life mentor and coach to his grandchildren, and maintaining the family home where we all celebrated Christmas by the well-stocked woodstove. He joked often about what a “grouch” he was and how lucky he was for the family around him – but we were the lucky ones.

Dave often recounted the story of how he first met Marilyn, describing how she saved him, and his forever gratitude to his friend Carroll for setting them up. They adored one another and shared a love of nature and the outdoors. Some of their most cherished memories came from their road trips out west, exploring our beautiful national parks.

He was dependable, hardworking and capable, fiercely independent, could creatively fix just about anything, stubborn as can be, funny and playful when he wanted to be, wise and intellectually curious, and he cared deeply for his family and friends.

Beyond traveling, shooting, and time with loved ones, Dave enjoyed spending his time on his John Deere tractor, gardening, hunting, working on his International Scouts, chopping wood, getting involved with local government, and reading or watching videos about the National Parks.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Marilyn Churchill; his two daughters: Linda Churchill (and long-term partner Randy Bouchard) and Alina Churchill Burke (and fiancé Vinnie Palange); his grandchildren who fondly know him as “Gramps”: Marcel Delorme Jr., Katie Bhandari (and husband Lakshay), Chandler David Burke, and Alyssa Burke; his great-granddaughter Jasmine Sparks; his younger brother Cameron Churchill (and wife Edy Churchill) and their three daughters Amy, Tara, and Moriah; cousins Ami, Stan and Carl Benson; and his best friend Carroll Akers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Alan M. Churchill

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the incredible staff at Andwell Hospice House for their care and support in Dave’s final days. They are truly angels on earth.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 1 p.m., at United Methodist Church at 439 Park Ave, Auburn, ME 04210. A private burial will be held at Buckfield Damon Cemetery.

Dave will be forever remembered by his infamous “black cowboy hat”, the love and dedication to his family, dry humor, and wisdom. His memory will remain in the hearts of family and friends forever.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial donation may do so to:

Andwell Hospice House-Auburn by going to their website at https://andwell.org/giving/ and mentioning David’s name in your donation.

Capital City Junior Rifle Club, c/o Julian Beale 33 Pinewoods Drive, Belgrade, ME 04917.

Or feel free to plant a tree in his memory, to celebrate his love of nature.