Obituary

In Loving Memory of
David Arnold Wadman
March 26, 1944 – June 16, 2025

David Arnold Wadman of Phoenix, AZ passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025.
David was born on March 26, 1944 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Clyde and Mary Wadman.
Tragically, Mary passed away 2 months after his birth and Clyde later remarried his StepMom Martha. Clyde and Martha were Salvation Army Officers and David grew up in that ministry organization where he developed his lifelong love of music, both singing and playing brass instruments.

In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army and served active duty and then the reserves until receiving his honorable discharge. During his time in the Army he served overseas primarily in Germany and his military service would shape and influence the rest of his life in many significant ways.

In 1968 David followed the same vocational path as his parents and began the training
process to become a Salvation Army Officer. During his Salvation Army career, David was the Administrator for several Adult Rehabilitation Centers helping men recover from drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Also during his Salvation Army career, he was appointed to the New York Staff Band and served in the ministry of music playing and singing with this highly respected group.

David later left The Salvation Army and eventually settled in Phoenix where he would spend the majority of his final decades in Arizona. He had a successful window cleaning /handyman business and worked several other jobs throughout the latter part of his life.

Throughout his life in all his jobs and travels and adventures, David loved to meet and talk to people anywhere and anytime. He loved to be able to provide encouragement, hear a story or share part of his own, and also to try and meet practical needs like buying a meal or giving a gift, especially for those that seemed to need it the most on that particular day.

David was a man of Christian faith and that was often reflected in his conversations with others, as well as through his love of music with the hymns and songs he would sing or play with his trumpet or flugel horn.

He is survived by his daughter Wendy Cooper and her husband Jason, his son David
Wadman and his wife Anna; his grandchildren, William, James, and Mia; his brother Robert and his wife Betty, sister Joyce and her husband Steve and sister Jan; his best friend Charlene; as well as other friends and acquaintances from the many places he lived and visited over the years.

David will be remembered for his encouraging words and ability to connect with people, his musical talent, his humor and his appreciation for the grace and mercy of Jesus.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at The Salvation Army Mesa Corps at 241 E. 6th Street in Mesa, AZ with a reception to follow.

Any gifts or donations in his honor can be sent to The Salvation Army.
The family wishes to thank all who have offered love and support during this time.