David Chittenden Terhune, 89, of Southbury, formally of Sandy Hook, died peacefully February 16 at The Lutheran Home of Southbury. He was the husband of Priscilla (Rogers) Terhune. He was born February 23, 1928, in West Haven, the son of the late Ruth (Chittenden) and Henry Terhune.

Mr Terhune graduated from Daniel Hand High School in Madison in 1947 and attended the Allen School of Aeronautics in Hillsgrove, R.I., from May 1948 to May 1949. He received his aircraft and engine mechanic license in July 1949 and his pilot's license in November 1949. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as an aircraft and engine mechanic.

As a child, Mr Terhune made balsa wood and paper aircraft models, and his lifelong passion was to become an aircraft mechanic. He held an inspection authorization rating that allowed him to return aircraft to service after maintenance was completed. He worked as an inspection authorization aircraft and engine mechanic for 50 years. He owned and enjoyed flying an SNJ-4 and a Stinson 108.

He and Priscilla married in Newtown Congregational Church on January 31, 1963. They were married for 54 years.They enjoyed summer outdoor concerts and traveling together. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; and was happiest when surrounded by his family.

In addition to his wife, his children and their spouses, Cindy (Terhune) and Robert Harrison of Southbury; Paul Kolesnikoff of Port Angeles, Wash.; Laura (Terhune) and Charles Noddin of Naples, Fla.; and Douglas and Eleanor Terhune of Danbury, survive him. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rebecca and Emily Harrison, both of Southbury; Anya Kolesnikoff of Los Angeles, Calif.; William Noddin and wife Julie of Oak Harbor, Wash.; Gregory Noddin and husband Choua of Apex, N.C.; and Rachel and Aaron Terhune, both of Danbury; and two great-grandchildren.

His sisters, Jean (Terhune) D'Angio and Virginia (Terhune) Allen, predeceased him.

The family would like to say thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at The Lutheran Home of Southbury for their wonderful care.

Funeral services were February 22 at St James Lutheran Church, Southbury. Burial was February 23, with full military honors at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gustafson Memorial Scholarship, c/o St James Lutheran Church, 111 Peter Road, Southbury CT 06488.

To leave an online condolence, visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.