David Major

David Glen Major, age 66, battled metastatic melanoma, lung cancer and finally brain cancer for the past 18 months. On January 6th, 2026 David passed peacefully at home in Des Moines with visits from family and friends and then surrounded by his immediate family.
David was born on November 12th, 1959 in Des Moines, Iowa, the oldest son of Lloyd G. Major, and Helen M. (Walsh) Major. David grew up in Des Moines, and later the family moved to Ankeny where he attended Ankeny High School. David was a brick and block mason for many years.
On May 12, 1990 he married Tammy Strain, adding a daughter Amanda, and son Nicholas to complete their family. David and Tammy divorced in 1995, and later became life-long companions from 2002 until his passing, making their home in Des Moines.
David had many careers after being a brick mason, he worked at American Can, Titan Tire, and HyVee Store #1, where he made many lifelong friends. David spent time as a caregiver for his grandmother Jenave Walsh, and mother, Helen Major. David also was self-employed in small construction jobs and enjoyed working on his vehicles. Later in life, David started a summer job manning a sweetcorn stand for Grimes Sweetcorn. David looked forward every July to selling corn in Des Moines and lastly Waukee. He enjoyed getting to know his repeated customers and making them laugh. Many friends would stop at the stand to see and even help him daily.
David enjoyed hanging out with his many friends, playing cribbage, playing dice with his brother Dan, going to Prairie Meadows, going to Thrift Stores (like his sister Jen), doing scratch offs and above all else collecting things. He loved to give used things a second chance. David was generous -sharing his treasured finds with others. If you knew David you knew he had a cold Mountain Dew, his box of Marlboro Reds and his radio blasting 95 KGGO.
David was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Helen Major, sister Jennifer Barker, his grandparents Herb and Jenave Walsh, Roy and Hazel Major, as well as, other family members. David was a very proud father and grandfather. David will be remembered and cherished by his loving family: daughter, Amanda Major of Des Moines, son and daughter-in-law Nicholas Major and Emily Jensen of Adel, granddaughter Mercedes Lane of Des Moines and companion, Tammy Major of Des Moines. David is also survived by his siblings: Lisa (Scott) Major Beeman of Ankeny, Dan Major of Chariton, Todd Major of Elkhart, and Heidi (Darren) Major Sleister of Ankeny. He was uncle to Raven (Brad) Wanicki, Colton (Lily) Sleister, Ryan Sleister, Jonathan Beeman, and great-uncle to Liam Bradley and Brayden Wanicki. David is also survived by his extended Major, Walsh and Johnson family members and many, many friends who will miss his great sense of humor.
David's family would like to thank Mission Blood & Cancer, MercyOne Hospice staff, family and friends for their unwavering help, prayers, love and support throughout his illness and life. There is no service planned at this time, David was definitely NOT a fan. Upon cremation, he will return to his family, and they will celebrate him at a later date. In the meantime, drink a Mountain Dew, play some Rock and Roll, cribbage or dice and share stories/memories of David.