Calvin "David" Cisco, 78, of Dunbar, went home to his Lord on Friday, May 20, 2022.

He was born on April 10, 1944 in Varney, West Virginia.

After graduation from Dunbar High School, David served in the United States Army leading to a lifelong career in helicopter maintenance. He attended various aviation schools obtaining advanced helicopter certifications. In addition to operating Cisco Helicopters, he worked for public and private entities, including the Sate under Gov. Rockefeller and international clients abroad. Ultimately, he retired as a Chief Helicopter Mechanic for the West Virginia State Police. "Cisco's" work ethic, integrity and expertise made him well-known and respected throughout the aviation community. He loved to tell stories (enhanced?) from those days.

David's life revolved almost entirely around his family and profession. He was devoted to providing for the happiness and care of his immediate and extended family. Other than Florida and 12 years in Beckley, he lived in the family's home on 20th St. in Dunbar, just blocks away from his childhood home and family. After retiring, he became an active member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Dunbar.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Lottie Clara Thomas; his step-father, Leonard Backus Thomas; and brothers, Paul, Dana and Mark Thomas.

David is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth; children, TJ Cisco (Natalie) of Huntington, Brian of Maryland and Amy Womack (Dan) of Columbus, GA; two grandchildren, Benjamin Womack and Sarah Grace Womack of Columbus, GA; sister, Kathy Doeffinger (Paul) of Point Pleasant; sister-in-law, Terry Thomas of Dunbar; nephews, Zach Doeffinger and Brett Doeffinger (Megan) of Huntington and Dewayne Thomas of Columbus,OH; nieces, April Bissias of Plainfield, IL and Brandy Lee of New Bern, NC.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at First Presbyterian Church of Dunbar with Rev. David Bush officiating. A graveside service will follow at the mausoleum in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Dunbar, 1414 Myers Ave., Dunbar, WV. 25064.

"David Cisco had a rewarding career and loved his time with the West Virginia State Police as Chief Helicopter Mechanic. He maintained up to 4 aircraft at any time and touched the lives of over 10 State Police pilots. Dave treated us as if they were the most important people in the world. He saw it as a personal responsibility that ALL flights returned without incident, Dave was a well respected aircraft mechanic and was well known in the aviation industry."

"One of Dave's favorite things was to joke about the "blue light special" ice cream trips. He would say, "I'll buy, if you fly, but you have to get it back to the hanger before it melts!"

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.