David Maurice Axmear was a farmer.  He tilled the land, built a farm, and created a family.  He died peacefully at home on November 27, 2025, on the farm he created with his wife, Betsy. David had a "simple" life philosophy:  hard work, commitment to family, and personal responsibility.  He passed this philosophy on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  David was a man of few words choosing to demonstrate his philosophy and let his loved ones learn by his example.  He showed up every day regardless of circumstance because that is what you do when you love someone or something…and oh, how he loved his family and his farm. David's life work was laboring on his farm raising pigs. He was up with the sun and frequently worked well past sundown.  He worked side by side with his children and grandchildren sharing his love of the land. In his later years, David cared lovingly for his wife, Betsy.  They were married for 53 years.  After her passing, David loved mowing his lawn with his 4066R John Deere tractor and LandPride mower.  He built condominiums for Purple Martins by his ponds and enjoyed waiting for his birds to migrate each spring, nest, lay eggs, and have babies.  Each year, the Purple Martins feasted on mosquitos while David watched from his living room window.  He watched FOX News at an uncomfortably loud volume both day and night and was always aware of national and local events and how they impacted his family and community.

David was the son of Maurice and Jean Horras Axmear.  He was born on May 18, 1941, in Keswick, Iowa.  He married Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Baylor Wood at the United Methodist Church in What Cheer on December 02, 1967.  On that date, David also committed to four sons: Dan, Doug, Dave, and Daryl (Deke) Wood.  In time, two more children were born of this union: a son, Daryn and a daughter Darci.

Those left to celebrate his life and carry on his legacy are his sons and daughter: Doug (Chris) Wood, Dave (Pam) Wood, Deke (Susie) Wood and Darci (Maria) Axmear; his daughter-in-law, Sheryl Wood; his grandchildren: Stephanie Wood (Chris Polley), Michelle Wood, Josh (Kacie) Wood, Matt (Cheryl) Wood, Caleb Wood, Jordan (Shannon) Wood, Maddison (Allan) Denny, Nathan (Sarah) Wood, and Amanda (Steven) Seeley.  His great grandchildren: Katie, Henry, Collyns, Colsyn, Campbell, Riley, Gabe, Stratton, Parker, Brayden, Masen, Ainslee, Brody, Drake, Trey, and Audrey; a brother, John (Connie) Axmear, two sisters, Evelyn Garns and Charlotte Axmear and three sisters-in-law, Lucy Axmear, Karen Axmear and JoAnne (Larry) Bair. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Betty Breitwieser. David was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy; two sons, Dan Wood and Daryn Drew Axmear; his grandson John Wood; brothers George Axmear and Joe'd Axmear; and brothers-in-law, Denny Garns and Wayne Silver.

In his way, David was not interested in accolades and consequently, did not want formal services.  His family, therefore, invites the community he loved to a gathering on Tuesday, December 02, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer, Iowa.  A private family burial will take place in the Highland Cemetery in What Cheer at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-County Food Pantry and Essence of Life Hospice.   Dad, we will miss your random phone calls and hearing you ask, "Where are you at?" when we pick up the phone.  We will miss your need to get things done right away rather than waiting for a more convenient time.  We will miss…you.