David Earl Phelps was born in San Antonio, Texas to Donald and Saralyn (Green) Phelps on January 13, 1970. He joined his dad in Heaven with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 13, 2023. David grew up in Jacksonville, Illinois with his sister Laura. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1988 and from Southern Illinois University in 1994 with a degree in Psychology. He was a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 107, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed many trips and camping experiences with his troop. His greatest passions, however, were music, art, and theater. He performed in plays in high school as well as in the Jacksonville Theater Guild. He was an exceptional drummer and talented artist. He enjoyed playing in a couple of bands in college. He was a devoted NASCAR fan and watched football anytime the Bears were playing. With his degree he was able to pursue a career caring for individuals with mental, physical or developmental disabilities. He began his career at Pathway Services Unlimited, Inc and continued on to Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville. Something he was very proud of was his fluency in ASL. After moving to Juneau, Alaska he worked as a behavioral health assistant at Bartlett Regional Hospital and as a direct service provider for REACH. His compassion, kindness, and gentle nature made him well suited for these jobs. He is survived by his mother Saralyn Phelps, sister Laura (Jamie) McDermott, nieces Sarah (Ethan) Roemeling and Abigail McDermott, nephews Liam McDermott of Las Vegas, NV and Caleb McDermott, great niece Ruby Roemeling, as well many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A graveside memorial service will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Jacksonville East Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Pathway Services. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com. . Memorial Service Jacksonville East Cemetery Sunday, May 21, 2023 3:30 PM 600 Myrtle Street Jacksonville, IL 62650