David Scott Poore

David Scott Poore of Cozad, NE passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the age of 69. David was born in McCook, NE on August 1, 1953, to Dale and Peggy (Kelly) Poore. He graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1971 where he was active in basketball, football, and track. After graduation, he attended Kearney State College and was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

During his freshman year at Kearney, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Denzin, of Wood River, NE, they married on December 20, 1975. In spring of 1976, they received their first teaching jobs in Cozad, NE. There David taught science in middle school for 34 years. In addition to teaching, he also coached middle school track, basketball, and often drove the bus for those events. David was a master teacher as his former students will tell you. He taught in a way that made learning fun and exciting. One of his teaching techniques was to use ping-pong balls to keep students engaged in his class. Every day his students would clamor to hear one of his “Poore” jokes. He was named Outstanding Young Educator in 1982, nominated for Teacher of the Year for Nebraska, and received the Crystal Apple Award for outstanding teacher in 2007.

David retired from teaching in 2008. He started a new business venture, Telstar Satellite Services LLC, with the support and help of his sons, which is still going strong today and has locations throughout the Midwest and in Central Florida.

David had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He loved spending time hunting and fishing with his own father and his sons. In 1991, he became a Zippo lighter collector, and assembled one of the best collections in the United States. He eventually sold his collection and turned around and wrote two books about Zippo lighters: Zippo: The Great American Lighter and Zippo: a Collector’s Guide.

Above all, David had a deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ, and was never shy about sharing it with others. Wherever he was, he always found a way to work it into the conversation. He felt a deep conviction to impact others for Jesus. He had a generous heart and was always ready to use his resources to help someone who needed it. He had a mind that was always set on prayer, and was quick to say, “let’s just pray about that.” During his recent illness, he knew what it meant to “take up his cross and follow Christ” Matt. 16:24.

David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Anne (Denzin) Poore, and sons John (Athena) of Bennington, NE; Mark (Cailin) of Phelps, WI; Matthew (Brandy) of Wahoo, NE; Luke (Jenny) of Minden, NE; and Caleb (Anna) of Callaway, NE and 13 grandchildren. Other relatives include his mother, Peggy Poore of Omaha, brother Dan (Anne) Poore of Omaha, and nieces Ashley (Robbie) Kyrklund of Chandler, AZ; Amanda (Angel) Hull of Bennington, NE/ Aunt Patricia Hoehner of Kearney, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Poore of McCook in 2020.

David’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cozad Bible Church with Pastor JC Calhoun officiating.