Saint Mark’s was the perfect location for David Cuthbertson’s Celebration of Life. It’s where he met and married Gail, after a whirlwind romance that lasted almost 50 years.

David was born in Chicago, soon the family moved to Louisiana, where David enjoyed farm life. He attended Louisiana State University on a football scholarship, followed by graduate work at FAU, FIU and the University of Georgia. David served in the U.S. Air Force, flying and mapping in the Philippines. He came to Florida as a “Hot Shot” to complete the Turnpike, continuing with FLDOT to work on I-95, 595  and Alligator Alley.

Filled with family and lifelong friends, David’s Celebration of Life was a memorable day at Saint Mark’s. A beautiful service was celebrated by Reverend Fred Johnson, assisted by our priest-in-residence, Reverend Errol Harvey. David’s son, Joshua, shared touching words of remembrance. In the memorial garden, the Air Force saluted David with rifles and taps. The bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace” and the ceremonial folding of the flag were incredibly moving.

David and Gail are famous for their Mardi Gras celebrations and the Parish Hall was decked out appropriately for the reception. The amazing New Orleans-themed menu was all prepared by Gail: Gumbo, jambalaya, muffuletta and collard greens, even a king’s cake! A beautiful collection of snapshots, as well as an intriguing collection of Mardi Gras costumes were on display. It was a blessing for all of us to gather and celebrate the life of Captain David Flack Cuthbertson, USAFR, whose final flight brought him home to God on June 26, 2021.