David Kevin Killinger, 64, Musician and Teacher
June 18, 1961 – June 30, 2025
David Kevin Killinger, a brilliant musician, devoted family man, and lifelong teacher and showman, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Brandon, Florida. He was 64.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 18, 1961, David was the youngest son of Karl and Evelyn Killinger. He grew up in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa, in the family’s Beaverdale Brick home, where music and laughter filled the air for more than 50 years. He was a proud third-generation music educator and circus conductor, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Henry, father Karl, uncle Keith Killinger, and aunt Wanda Killinger Darlington.
A 1979 graduate of North High School, David was a rare three-year All-State trumpet player. He studied music at Drake University, where he conducted the Bulldog Brass, a featured trumpet soloist with the Drake Band, Des Moines Municipal Band, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Band, and was the first President of the CJC Jazz Band. He was also a longtime member of Local 75 of the Des Moines Musicians Union.
From a young age, David was immersed in the world of live performance. During summer breaks, he and his family toured North America with circus and show bands—experiences that fueled his passion for music and adventure. Between shows, they camped and hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park, a family tradition.
At age 21, he was named leader of the Ronald McDonald Circus Band during its successful 1982 Canadian tour. He later returned to Des Moines to teach music at Lincoln High School from 1983 to 1990, including three memorable years co-teaching with his father.
In 1990, David “ran away to join the circus”, becoming Musical Conductor for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus (a role once held by his uncle Keith). Within the next 30 years he was promoted to Musical Director for Feld Entertainment, overseeing the creation and recording of music soundtracks for more than 35 international productions, including Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live! Disney Live! and Jurassic World Live. His work reached audiences in over 75 countries, and he conducted and recorded with orchestras around the world, leaving a legacy of music that will resonate for generations.
David was known for his photographic memory, jovial spirit, sharp wit, and generous heart. He was deeply kind and fiercely loyal—whether leading a band, mentoring young musicians, touring the world, or spending quiet moments with his family, he made others feel seen, valued, and inspired. He was also a proud Mason and member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners.
He is survived by his wife, Marina Khouan (a former circus performer); daughter, Kristina; and grandchildren, Katya and Andrey. He also leaves behind his siblings: Dennis (Rose) of Tampa, FL; Kerry (Linda) of Seattle, WA; and Karla (Scott Blacketer) of Urbandale, IA; as well as his aunts and uncle: Wanda Darlington (Bobby Barnhardt) of Sarasota, FL, and Kathryn Killinger of Nokomis, FL. David is also remembered by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Evelyn Killinger of Des Moines; and his uncles, Keith Killinger, Ed Darlington, and James Wooldridge.
David will be remembered not only for his extraordinary musical career, but for the love and laughter he shared so generously. His music played on the grandest stages and its echoes will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Rest in peace, David. The show will go on, but it will never be the same without you.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday Nov. 23, 2025 at Showfolks of Sarasota, 2 to 4:30pm; Tributes at 3.
Condolences
Heartfelt condolences. An extraordinary accomplished man. May his memory be a blessing.
What a brilliant resume… I remember Matt talking about his uncle years ago. Our condolences and heartfelt feelings go to the Killinger family and their relatives.
With much love
Lou & Sheri White
Dave mentored me in the fine art of Circus band conducting while I played trombone under his direction on the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Blue Unit Circus circa 1994 through 2003. Always jovial, fun loving and quick to pick up the tab. Rest in Peace Marm.
David was a dear friend and always made me sound better than I was. He was a serious musician and a mischievous maestro at the same time. May he rest in peace
My prayers and condolences to David’s family. He was such a lovely and talented person who will be truly missed.
Rest in Peace our Circus brother 🙏
Bernice Collins
Dave and I joined Ringling Bros. the same year and it is his music I hear in my head as I see him conducting and always smiling.
Always kind, welcoming and fun – I was and am very happy to have known him.
His memory will surely be a blessing
Great guy, lots of memories
It was always gonna be great music, a lotta laughs, and loyal friendship; and not necessarily in that order! Dave was a part of my Ice Show Summers for decades now along with countless Circuses, Sesame Street, and Disney LIVE! The deadlines were tough, the schedule was rough, and the good times: well there were just enough! Rest in Peace, my friend.
Dave, Please rest in peace. I enjoyed our times together in the band room and during rehearsals over the years. Dave was a gifted artist and his contribution to all Feld shows was immense. Prayers to Dave’s family.
Lovled
I have such wonderful memories of David from my times with the Blue Unit. He was such a kind and quick witted person. He will be missed. Rest easy my friend.
Dave was a wonderful person, musical genius and great friend! He will be missed personally and professionally. Sincerest condolences to his entire family. RIP, Dave.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. David was a phenomenal human! He will be greatly missed by all knew him
RIP, David
I’m so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. Dave was a friend and colleague during my Feld Entertainment days. RIP Dave
dear wanda,
when i saw this obit, i knew that david had to be part of your family. really enjoyed the Beaaverdale references–i had such a happy childhood there too…fond memories of keith playing for dances at roosevelt…knowing you at Drake. 💛
you are indeed a special group!
love, sue
The news has now reached his Lincoln band ‘kids.’ https://www.facebook.com/share/1F2mRTtpx4/
Condolences to the family.
I really appreciated that he pushed us to do our best. He really enabled us to play our instruments well, and better yet be a Team together. RIP Dave.
Even though I don’t know his family personally, Dave aka Lester and I were very good friends at Drake! So many gigs together and a lot of great fun together. I had great admiration and respect for him. Wail away wherever you are and squeeze to get that double high F# baby!
I am saddened by this news, I had just recently reconnected with David via Facebook. As a Lincoln High School band and jazz band alumni I have some fun memories; touring Sydney and Brisbane and playing at the World Expo in ‘88, watching David trying to figure out a set of small carbide cannons for a high school production of the Overture of 1812, and trying to learn challenging Tonigh Show Band arrangements for Jazz Band…such great memories.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends…
I am a Lincoln High School alumni of 1985, and had the privilege to play the alto saxaphone in all the bands with both Karl and Dave. I remember Dave right along side his Dad when student teaching and then taking the lead when his dad retired. I loved playing alto saxaphone in the jazz band and appreciate so much all the encouragement and passion Dave brought to making music. I am very saddened to hear of his passing and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Dave. I knew him from the Drake University Jazz Band 1. He played lead trumpet & I played lead trombone. We also played together in a brass quintet, & the wind ensemble.
Dave was the consumate musician. He was very talented & dedicated. He was also a very kind person. I will miss knowing him. May he rest with the lord.