David Alan Scott

David Alan Scott, age 50, died peacefully at his home in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on April 7, 1976, in Pierre, South Dakota, he entered the world a month early and, ironically, seemed to leave it decades too soon.

David spent his childhood in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, enjoying all the freedoms and adventures of an 1980s childhood. Winters were spent building snow forts, while summers were filled with fishing, swimming, bike rides, and countless adventures with neighborhood friends—sometimes allowing his younger sister to tag along. When indoors, he enjoyed bowling, board games, video games, and Dungeons & Dragons, always defeating any family member brave enough to challenge him.

During his years at Stanley County High School, David was known less for academic ambition than for his creativity, humor, and ability to make classmates and teachers laugh. He explored photography, built woodworking projects in shop class, and appeared as the butler in a production of *Arsenic and Old Lace*. Like many students, he eagerly participated in activities led by Mrs. Anderson. He also played football and competed in shot put and discus for the Stanley County Buffaloes. His senior year culminated in his election as Student Council President.

After attending the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, David discovered a passion for cooking while working in various restaurants. That passion led him to Denver, Colorado, where he attended the Culinary Institute of America. He continued working in the restaurant industry there until 2005, when his friend Trey encouraged him to move to Omaha, Nebraska, to take over the sourdough bread bakery at Wohlner's Grocery.

In 2007, David met the love of his life, Dana Black. Their partnership spanned nearly two decades before they were married on December 23, 2024. Together they built a life centered on love, laughter, and shared passions. They delighted in cooking and discovering food, embraced sustainable living through gardening and caring for the world around them, and filled their home with beloved feline companions. Their fur family included Buddy, Cortana, and Chester, along with Rambo, a tiny one-and-a-half pound kitten who wandered in from the neighborhood and promptly decided he was home. They welcomed him as the unexpected gift he was, a reflection of compassion and open hearts that defined the life David and Dana built together. David earned the reputation as a “cat whisperer,” possibly because he curated a catnip landscape that brought other neighborhood strays over to visit, including Willow, Mr. Orange, and Teddy. Whether tending the garden, preparing a meal, or relaxing at home surrounded by their cats, David found his greatest joy in the simple life they shared.

After enduring months of persistent back pain, David's discomfort became suddenly and severely worse in the spring of 2025. Further testing and scans revealed the devastating diagnosis of Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Yet even in the face of such news, David remained remarkably himself. He refused to let cancer define him or diminish his love of life. He continued gardening, growing food, caring for others, and finding joy in the everyday moments that mattered most to him.

David approached his illness with a balance of optimism and realism that inspired those around him. He understood the challenges he faced, but he never stopped planning, hoping, and looking forward. Even in his final days, his spirit remained eager for more time with family, friends, and the simple pleasures he loved. His mind was still ready to keep living life; ultimately, it was only his body that could not keep pace with his enduring will to do so. David was a light in the lives of many. His friendships were genuine and enduring, built on kindness, honesty, loyalty, and a refreshingly down-to-earth nature. Friends knew they could always count on him for practical advice, a good laugh, or a helping hand. The impact he made on those around him will not be forgotten.

David is survived by his wife, Dana (Black) Scott, mother-in-law Karen Black of Omaha, his mother Eva Scott of Sioux Falls; his sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Lance Wilkinson of Sioux Falls; his sister, Valerie (Paul) White, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Don Scott of Sioux Falls; and father-in-law, Rodney Black of Omaha.

David's love for nature reflected his commitment to sustainability and caring for the world around him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab at nebraskawildliferehab.org, or Plant Nebraska at plantnebraska.org in David's honor.

Memorial service will be held at the chapel at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N. 108th St, Omaha, Nebraska, with a gathering beginning at noon and service at 1 pm, Saturday, July 11th, officiated by David’s friend, Pastor Jerauld Rekow.