David Kent Testerman

David Kent Testerman, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), passed away on November 30, 2025, in Franklin, New Hampshire.

Born in 1944 in Napa, California, Dave was the oldest son of Dean and Marion Testerman. He grew up with a curious mind, an early love of airplanes, and a pair of bright blue eyes that always seemed to hold equal parts mischief, determination, and warmth.

In 1962, he met Karen Yanase of Visalia, California, and from their very first conversations it was clear they had found a lifelong partner in one another. They married in 1967, beginning nearly six decades of family life, shared adventures, and the familiar rhythm of moves, new bases, and new places. Above all else, Dave was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, taking pride in raising four children and cheering on twelve grandchildren, and a devout follower of Jesus Christ.

After earning his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from California Polytechnic University, Dave began his career at General Dynamics. Drawn to “anything that flew, especially if it made a lot of noise,” he soon joined the United States Air Force, completing pilot training and beginning a 23-year career that took him around the world.

Dave served three combat tours in Vietnam as a B-52D pilot and aircraft commander, including missions in the Linebacker II campaign over Hanoi. His leadership and skill earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses and fifteen Air Medals.

He went on to fly the T-39 transport and the supersonic FB-111A fighter-bomber and contributed to several major aircraft programs over the course of his career. He was one of the original seven designers of the B-2 Stealth Bomber, and helped guide the F-111 from its early development at General Dynamics through later upgrades, including parachute systems, work that kept the aircraft flying for many years.

During an exchange with the Royal Australian Air Force, he worked on the Pilatus PC-9, a design that later became the replacement for the T-37 Air Force trainer, influencing the education of future pilots.

Throughout these years, Dave and Karen raised their children across eight different states and two foreign countries. Their shared sense of humor, adaptability, and strong family connection helped turn each new assignment into another chapter, not a disruption.

After retiring from the Air Force, the family settled in New Hampshire, where Dave continued his work at Sanders Aerospace (later Lockheed-Martin and BAE Systems) as an engineer and program manager, contributing to multiple military aircraft systems with the same focus and enthusiasm he brought to flying.

In his later years, Dave put his energy into community service. He served as Welfare Officer and on the Planning and Zoning Boards in his communities of Mont Vernon and Franklin. He was later elected to the New Hampshire General Court, representing Franklin and Hill for 8 years

until 2024, where he was known for his strong advocacy around family-related issues, life, and his willingness to engage thoughtfully with colleagues on both sides.

He was also involved in a number of organizations connected to aviation and public service, including the Daedalians, the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (“River Rats”), VFW, and the Elks, and he enjoyed the sense of camaraderie and purpose they offered.

Dave was predeceased by his brother, Charles Reed Testerman. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Karen; his children Patrick and wife Martha (Chichester, NH), Matthew and wife Jennifer (Severna Park, MD), Gabrielle (Cape Coral, FL), and Mary and husband Tim Buckley (Orlando, FL); and twelve grandchildren who were a source of constant pride and delight.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 166 Pearl Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. A burial service with military honors will follow at 1:00 PM at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, New Hampshire. Following graveside services, family and friends are invited to attend a reception at 9 Stone Ave., Franklin, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to one of the following charities: Care Women’s Center, Concord, NH; Real Options, Manchester, NH; or Haven Center in Plymouth, NH.