David Lewis Armstrong

David Lewis Armstrong was born at Willis Knighton Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Sunday, the 21st of November 1948, the second son of Isaac Lewis and Geneva Eubanks Armstrong and returned to the arms of his Creator, Lord, and Savior at his home in Stanley, Louisiana, on Thursday, the 25th of August 2022.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Letha Seago Armstrong; brother, Jerry Wayne Armstrong, and wife, Becky, of Valdosta, Georgia; son, David Mark Armstrong, and wife, Tracy, of Logansport, Louisiana; son, Michael Shane Armstrong, and wife, Jennifer, of Logansport, Louisiana; daughter, Linda Diane Nelson, and husband, Mike, of Joaquin, Texas; and Kenneth Ray LaFitte, and wife, Mary, of Livingston, Texas; grandchildren: Allison Bryan and husband, Daniel; Jazmine Armstrong; Dylan LaFitte; Kyle LaFitte and wife, Haley; Austyn Pruett; Raelea “Katy” Tibbs and husband, Carter; Tyler LaFitte; Joshua Nelson; and John Thomas Armstrong; and great-grandchildren: London Bridges; Lyla Bryan; Diana LaFitte; and Mia LaFitte.

David attended Caddo Heights Elementary, Linwood Jr High, and Fair Park High School - all in Shreveport. His post-secondary studies were conducted at East Texas Baptist University, Louisiana State University, Georgia Military Institute, Shreveport Fire Academy, and Northwest Louisiana Justice Institute.

He proudly served his country as a corpsman being honorably discharged in 1968 from the United States Navy at the Naval Reserve Center, Shreveport, Louisiana. During that same time frame, Reverend Armstrong also served his God being licensed and ordained by Magnolia Baptist Church to serve as Pastor for Midyett Baptist Church, DeBerry, Texas.

David began his firefighting career with the Shreveport Fire Department in 1968 where his duties also included emergency medical care and rescue. He was promoted through the ranks as Driver, Alarm Operator, Instructor, Captain, and EMS Shift Supervisor before his retirement in 1990. He was also certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and graduated as one of the Department’s first Paramedics. Other specializations and accomplishments included: aircraft crash rescue, hazardous material certification, underwater rescue and recovery, field incident command supervision, personnel training, and record keeping and management.

He worked with DeSoto Fire District 8 in Mansfield as Fire Training Officer and Administrator from 1990 to 1992 and as Fire Chief and Chief Administrative Officer from 1992 until 1995. His duties and responsibilities included the administration and training of over 120 volunteers and oversight of eight stations covering a 410 square mile area of DeSoto Parish. During this time, David was elected as District 4 Representative of the Louisiana Fire Chief Association.

Since retiring from the fire service, David had a full employment history with numerous other agencies and companies as a security officer, paramedic, 911 operator, forestry firefighter, surveillance officer, service technician, and driving bus 310 for the DeSoto Parish School Board.

In addition, as if he had even more time to spare – both past and present, his volunteer and community service activities included, Logansport Volunteer Fire Dept. Captain, DeSoto Fire District 5 Assistant Chief, DeSoto Fire District 8 Chief, Mansfield Fire Dept. Volunteer Fire Chief, DeSoto Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, DeSoto Parish Sheriff Office Reserve Deputy, DeSoto Parish Emergency Communications Coordinator, Louisiana State Firefighters Association, Life Member of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, Louisiana Emergency Instructors Association, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, International Association of Firefighters, Fire Chiefs, and Professional Firefighters, Crook County Oregon Sheriff Search and Rescue, Prineville Oregon Band of Brothers, American Legion Louisiana Post 157, and US National Park Service..

And the list could continue on with regards to his numerous certifications, registrations, and training courses. Needless to say, when it came to serving the public, he was knowledgeable, well-equipped, and more than willing to carry out any task set before him.

Although David’s work and community service took up a substantial portion of his time, it was his love and devotion to God, family, and friends that made his life meaningful, joyful, and whole. And he effortlessly shared that fullness by blessing those around him through sacrifice and fellowship.

Please join us in celebrating his life and legacy on Saturday, September 3^rd, at Hunter-Magnolia Baptist Church, 173 Magnolia Avenue, Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, service at 2 pm, with fellowship afterwards.

It was David’s request that those who attend abstain from wearing traditional black attire and ties, but rather dress comfortably, as you are, for a celebration of life. Also, in lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a monetary donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.