Dr. David H. Stubbs

David H. Stubbs, M.D., 78, passed away February 13, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center as a result of complications from cancer.

David was born January 25, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Thad and Betty Stubbs. David attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and discovered his love of medicine. After graduating, David attended medical school at the University of Missouri, Columbia. He was selected for the general surgery residency program and was Chief Resident. A fellowship in vascular surgery was developed at University of Missouri and he was the first surgeon selected for the program. After his fellowship, he was hired as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the university. He was board certified in General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care. David was also a proud member of the Army Reserves and served as the vascular surgeon for the 451st Surgical Detachment.

David moved to Des Moines in 1980 and joined a surgical private practice as a vascular surgeon. He placed patient care above all else and was beloved by many patients, nurses, fellow doctors, and staff for his skills and unique sense of humor. Along with caring for patients, he considered working with the surgery residents and teaching an important part of his job. In addition to David’s surgical practice, he took on many leadership roles at the hospital. He was the Medical Director of the Wound Center, Medical Director of Diagnostic Services, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, and Chief of Surgery. He was also President of the Iowa Vascular Surgery Society, on the Board of Directors for Iowa Health Systems, and a founder and board member of the Iowa Clinic. David published 24 papers in national medical journals and he has three chapters in diagnostic books. After retiring from private practice, he worked at the Des Moines VA Medical Center and then in hospital administration at Iowa Methodist until the time of his death.

David was an Eagle Scout who tried to live his life according to the Boy Scout oath. He was a very talented gardener, cook, and baker. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, skeet-shooting, aviation, and spending time at the lake with his family. David was a proud two-time winner of the family NASCAR fantasy sports league, enjoyed playing cards and games with his grandchildren, and ensured no one ever put ketchup on a hot dog.

David is survived by his loving wife, Gail, of 42 years; children, Thaddeus Stubbs, Courtney (Ryan) Swan, Zachary Stubbs (Christie), and Rebecca Stubbs (Ryan); grandchildren, Jackson, Callum, Ella, and Luca; and his brother, John Stubbs (Nan).

The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Buroker and the nurses and staff on the oncology floor for all of their loving care and support to David and Gail. We would like to thank all of the doctors who shared their expertise and friendship throughout David’s hospital stay.

A celebration of life will be held at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. The family will greet friends from 3:00-4:30 p.m., with a service to follow. A reception will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stubbs Family Undergraduate Scholars Forum Endowment at Westminster College or the Unity Point Health Des Moines Foundation in Dr. Stubbs’ name. Checks can be made to Westminster College with “Stubbs Scholars” in the memo line and sent to 501 Westminster Ave. Fulton, MO 65251, or you can give online at wcmo.edu/giving, click “Give to Westminster Online” and select the Stubbs Family dropdown option under “Designation”. Memorial contributions can be made to lowa Methodist Medical Center in Dr. Stubbs’ name. Send to the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Foundation at 1415 Woodland Avenue, Suite E200, Des Moines, IA 50309, or make an online memorial gift at: https://give.unitypoint.org/give/531627/#1/donation/checkout.

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