David Arthur Menges

David Arthur Menges, 68, of Tombstone, passed away on July 29, 2017. All of Tombstone is saddened by the passing of David Menges. David was born in Winter Haven, Florida and grew up in Lake Alfred, Florida. He attended Winter Haven High School before embarking for a stint with the U.S. Army, serving as a combat medic in South Korea.

An adventurous soul, David crisscrossed the country, managing a number of restaurants in Key West, Las Vegas, and San Diego. He created and was the owner of his own line of sauces, Locals Backyard Gourmet Grilling Sauces. David found his calling when he moved to Tombstone, joining the Tombstone Repertory Company. He was well known in Tombstone for his portrayal of Doc Holliday in plays such as “The Phantom of Schieffelin Hall” and “Breakfast with Doc Holliday” at Schieffelin Hall. He also brought Doc Holliday to life in the gunfight shows at Sixgun City and the O.K. Corral.

David wrote and was in the process of producing the Western movie “Gold’s Revenge,” but sadly was not able to finish it before his untimely accident. He was critically injured on April 5, 2017, when he was thrown from his horse, landing hard on a pile of rocks. This caused many broken bones on the right side of his body, one of which lacerated his liver. He died of complications from this accident.

David was predeceased by his loving wife, Vicki, to whom he was married for 33 years. He is survived by his brother, Dan (Jeannette) and his sister Cheryl (Chris), of Jacksonville, Florida. David's legacy is the kind spirit he was, his infectious smile and his loving and caring for family and friends. He lightened moods and, with his encyclopedic mind, loved conversation of all kinds. He dreamed big and hoped for his Western movie to be finished and his sauces to be distributed nation-wide and enjoyed by many.

He loved dancing, NASCAR, the Diamondbacks, the TV show M*A*S*H, and simple walks along the river. David didn't want people to be sad at the end of his life.

He wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life with some good oldies music and share memories of great times together. He asked to always be remembered with laughter, not tears. He was a man of faith, often mentioning Jesus.

A traditional Tombstone Walk-down in his memory will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 1 p.m., starting at 6th Street in front of the Birdcage Theater in Tombstone and proceed down Allen Street to City Park on 3rd Street.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Arthur Menges, please visit our floral store.