David Allen Bey

DAVID ALLEN BEY

Nueva Gorgona, Republic of Panama

David Allen Bey, loving husband and father, a resident of Nueva Gorgona, Republic of Panama, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, after bravely battling cancer for nine months.

He was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and lived there until 2016, when he and his wife Lisa retired in Panama. The son of Frances Mittvalsky

Bey and stepson of Roy K. Bey, David graduated from Franklin High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served with the Far East Command for three years during the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended Coe College, graduating with a B.A. in Business. David married the love of his life, Lisa Ann Lesh, on June 14, 1986, and their daughter Emily was born four years later.

David was active in the Cedar Rapids community, serving on numerous boards and supporting various philanthropies. He was a past president of Elmcrest Country Club, United Cerebral Palsy, and First Lutheran Church Council. David was a member of Mt. Herman Lodge, El Kahir Shrine and the Cedar Rapids Royal Order of Jesters, which he served as past director. He retired from Altorfer Inc. as vice president after 36 years. He and Lisa then worked together, renovating and flipping homes. He eventually became a Realtor with Skogman Realty.

In January 2016, he retired from Skogman and moved to Panama with Lisa. He loved their home on the beach there, the many adventures they shared, and the new friends he made from all over the world. He served the local community with Spay the Strays and Libre de Basura, and volunteered at a nearby orphanage. David was a strong man of faith and worshiped at Coronado Bible Church. An avid golfer, he enjoyed boating, snow skiing, traveling, walking on the beach, and spending time with his family and beloved pets.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughter, Emily C. Bey of Chicago; two children from a previous marriage, Suzanne Hilton (Steve) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Craig Bey (Patty) of Cedar Rapids; and two grandchildren, Sophia Dube and Harrison Hilton of Scottsdale, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Kathy Towe (Jay) of Cedar Rapids.

Private memorial services will be held in Panama and later in the United States, where David's ashes will be interred at a military cemetery. Family and friends can honor David by supporting Hines Fisher House, which provided comfort and care for him and his family during his treatment at Hines VA Hospital. Checks can be made out and sent to Hines Fisher House, 5000 S. 5th Ave, Hines, IL 60141; or they can donate online at www.hines.va.gov, click on the blue e-donate button, choose Hines VA Hospital, then choose Fisher House.