David Alan Mackler

David Alan Mackler, age 54, of Granby, passed away at his home peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, July 3, 2026.

David, son of Joseph C. Mackler Jr., and Diane (Foster) Mackler, was born on June 19, 1972, in Sacramento, California.  David’s academic journey began in Quincy, California, where he completed high school before dedicating several years to honorably serving his country in the Army National Guard and the United States Army from 1993-1999.  Following his time in the military, David pursued an extensive educational path, beginning at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He graduated in 2002, not only with one but two bachelor’s degrees, and later, a master’s degree. He then furthered his education at the University of Texas-San Antonio, where he achieved a Ph.D. in Physics in 2016.

His career in physics began at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as a Helio Physicist, where he worked for two years. His passion for space exploration and science took him to the Florida Space Institute in Orlando for a brief period before he settled at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio until 2024, when he chose to relocate to Granby to be closer to family.

David was a man of diverse interests. He found joy in reading, exploring the depths of the ocean through scuba diving, and expressing his creativity by building intricate space and Lego models.

Survivors include his parents, Joseph C Mackler Jr. and Diane Mackler, of Granby; one sister, Karen Britton, and her husband, John, of Rolla; nieces, Jessica Britton, Julie Challenger, and Erica Adams; great nephew and niece, Jude Britton and Isabella Challenger.  David was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Family will hold a memorial service with military honors for David on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Granby United Methodist Church, 443 S Main St, Granby, MO 64844.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory, Neosho.