David Tindrell of Des Moines, IA, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
What follows is a brief look at the life his family wishes to share.
David held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
What is held in faith is rarely lost.
Pastor David Tindrell, beloved father, devoted servant, and cherished member of the Des Moines community, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Born on November 19, 1960, in Des Moines to Everett and Mildred (Wesley) Tindrell Sr., David's journey was marked by unwavering faith, dedication, and love.
Growing up in Des Moines, David's passion for basketball was evident from a young age. He graduated from Tech High School in 1979, where he was known for his athleticism, and earned the nickname 'Tin Man'. Following high school, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the Navy. During his service, he studied military engineering, demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and lifelong learning. After he was honorably discharged, David returned to Des Moines and began driving trucks alongside longtime family friend Deacon Williams before transitioning to a position with Waste Management. It was during this time that he developed a deep interest in computers-teaching himself through books, collecting parts, and building systems on his own. In 1998, he brought that self-taught expertise to Wellmark BlueCross BlueShield. At Wellmark, David grew into a leadership role as an IT team lead, where he helped shape policies and procedures, advocated for meaningful change, and championed equality for all. He was widely respected and admired by his colleagues, who honored his impact by naming a day after him-"Tindrell Day". After 25 years of dedicated service, David retired from Wellmark BlueCross BlueShield in 2023.
David's faith in God was the cornerstone of his life-one that deepened and matured through every season and every experience he walked through. He had a gift for teaching the Word-breaking it down in ways that were both relatable and easy to understand, meeting people right where they were with wisdom, warmth, and sincerity. He served as pastor of New Jerusalem; his heart for ministry and for people was deeply felt by all who knew him. He was an active member of many ministries, such as Men's Group at Smokey Row, the Community Men's Group at Corinthian Baptist Church, and his personal TikTok platform #DadsSupportingDads, where he showed up with steady encouragement and a servant's heart.
He treasured time with his family through constant check-ins, impromptu morning coffee connects, lunch dates, supporting their interests, and having deep, meaningful conversations. He personally enjoyed watching the Raiders and Lakers, working on cars, playing Madden Football, cooking greens, smoking turkeys, and savoring Graziano's deli meats and cheeses-simple joys that brought warmth and connection.
David leaves behind a loving legacy in his children, Dominique (Joseph) Parker, David (Quinta) Tindrell, Paris (Ryan) Barnes, Patience Tindrell, and Bishop Tindrell; and his treasured grandchildren: Tristen, Terence, Jayden, Paityn, Jadeona, Ryeahn, Ja'Siah, Joie, Jocelynn, Jenaya, Zariah, Raiden, Joseph II, Chana, Carson, Aubriella, Alarico, Ariah, and soon to join the family, Rylinn. He is fondly remembered by his siblings Everett "Skip" Tindrell and Dawnelle (Michael) Conley, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Wesley, Stephen, and Kimberley Tindrell.
A visitation to honor David's life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care in Des Moines from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a special time for public memories beginning at 6:00 p.m. His HomeGoing Celebration will take place Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Amazing Grace Church in Des Moines, followed by burial with military honors at Glendale Cemetery. Repass to follow after the burial for the family at Amazing Grace Church in Des Moines.
David's family kindly invites memorial contributions in his memory. The care of David and his family has been entrusted to Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care.
Through the lives he touched and the love he shared, Pastor David Tindrell's spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
