David James Kilman

David James Kilman, 85, of Divide, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at a hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, leaving behind a lifetime of love, cherished memories, and an extraordinary family legacy.

David was born on March 1, 1941, in Columbus, Georgia, to Noble Harold Kilman and Helen Catherine Kilman (née Budde). He graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1958 and, on June 11, 1960, married the love of his life, Ada Belle “Billie” Kilman (née Matteson), in Colorado Springs. Together, David and Billie shared 66 years of marriage, raising a large and loving family and building a lifetime of memories.

In 1965, David graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, he began what would become a distinguished 45-year career with The Boeing Company. His work took him and his growing family to several locations throughout the United States before the Philadelphia area became his work base in 1972, where he spent the remainder of his professional career until retirement.

David took great pride in his profession and was a dedicated member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Throughout his career, he served in leadership positions with several SME chapters in the Philadelphia region, contributing his time, knowledge, and experience to the engineering community.

Following his retirement, David and Billie returned to Colorado, settling in Divide, where they made their home in the mountains for the remainder of his life. Their cabin became a welcoming gathering place for family, friends, and even the occasional stranger who would soon become a friend.

David was a gifted storyteller, well known for his dry sense of humor and his ability to make friends wherever he went. He never seemed to meet a stranger and had a remarkable way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. It was not unusual for David to strike up a conversation with someone he had just met and, before parting ways, invite them to stop by the cabin for a meal or simply to sit and visit. His stories, humor, and genuine hospitality were among the many qualities that made him so memorable to those who knew him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David's greatest legacy was his family. Together, he and Billie raised 14 children, creating a home centered on faith, family, and shared experiences. Their family grew to include 57 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren, a testament to the extraordinary family they built together.

David's Catholic faith was an important part of his life. For more than 65 years, he and Billie were active members of the Christian Family Movement (CFM), serving as local leaders and dedicating their time to strengthening families and building community through their shared faith.

David was an avid bowler and enjoyed passing along his love of the sport to younger generations. While several of his children attended Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School in the Philadelphia area, he coached bowling at the schools, combining two things he greatly enjoyed: family and sports.

One of David's favorite family traditions was fantasy football. What began as a shared interest became a source of friendly competition, laughter, and connection among his children and grandchildren. Even in his final weeks, David continued to enjoy this family tradition, participating in his final fantasy football draft in September 2026, a memory his family will always treasure.

David and Billie began their married adventure together by camping on their honeymoon in Estes Park. They both loved camping and spending time outdoors. Over the years, countless family adventures began with a simple Army tent, progressed to a pop trailer and eventually to an old school bus, which they converted into a camper, creating a unique way for the family to travel and enjoy the outdoors together. These trips provided opportunities for generations of the family to spend time together and create lasting memories as they would take various kids and grandkids on their adventures around the US.

Through the years, whether David was coaching bowling, enjoying the next camping adventure, participating in a fantasy football draft, sharing one of his many stories, or welcoming a new friend to the cabin, he found joy in connecting with others. His life reflected a deep commitment to faith, family, friendship, and the simple pleasure of spending time together.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ada Belle “Billie” Kilman (née Matteson); his children, Michael David Kilman (Bonnie), Kathleen Marie Harkins (John), David Alexander Kilman (Joan), Thomas James Kilman (Jennifer), Paul James Kilman (Amber), April Marie Farley (Jerry), Anne Marie LaMartina (Joseph), Peter James Kilman (Emilia), Andrew David Kilman (Sheri), Elizabeth Theresa Modray (David), Genevieve Theresa Ross (Gavin), Joseph David Kilman (Kristen), and Daniel James Kilman (Patricia).

He is also survived by his brother, Harry Francis Kilman (Joyce) and his 57 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Noble Harold Kilman and Helen Catherine Kilman (née Budde); his sisters, Patricia May Fritsche and Deborah Kathleen Kilman; his daughter in law, Angela Kilman (née Spring); and his beloved children, John Patrick Kilman and Gabriella Kilman.

David leaves behind an extraordinary legacy — not only in the size of the family he and Billie created, but in the generations of shared traditions, adventures, faith, and memories that will continue long after his passing.

His stories will be retold, his humor remembered, and the welcoming spirit that made a stranger feel like a friend will live on through the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Funeral Arrangements

Viewing and Visitation — Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs. Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass — Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3122 Poinsetta Dr, Colorado Springs.

Burial — Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 12:00 p.m.

Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs.

Luncheon and Reception — Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 1:00 p.m.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3122 Poinsetta Dr, Colorado Springs.