David Lee Muldrow

David Lee Muldrow August 8, 1946 – June 8, 2026

"An elderly man's death is like burning an entire library." — Ivorian Proverb

David Lee Muldrow, 79, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, therapist, teacher, and healer, David spent his life helping others find their way through difficult seasons. His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering belief in the possibility of healing touched countless lives and created a legacy that will continue for generations.

David was born in South Bend, Indiana to Edward and Thelma Muldrow. He graduated from Central High School, where he played both baseball and football. As a young man, he attended senior prom with Beverly Baird, who would later become his first wife. Together they welcomed two daughters, Dana and Dawn.

David proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War era.

Though he briefly attended Virginia Union University, David ultimately earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ball State University. David pledged and crossed the Omega Psi Phi Chapter at Ball State University in 1972. He went on to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, dedicating his life to helping others navigate some of their most difficult seasons. David served people of all races, religions, backgrounds, and ages. He met people exactly where they were, offering wisdom, compassion, and understanding without judgment. His clinical work was not simply a profession—it was an extension of who he was.

His commitment to healing extended far beyond his practice. As a founding member of Inward Journey of Memphis, Tennessee, he was honored as Elder Dada Rudo. Through that work, he helped guide African American men and women of the African Diaspora toward healing through a deeper understanding of ancestral trauma. He was also a devoted brother of the ManKind Project's New Warrior Training Adventure, a community of men committed to growth, accountability, and healing.

Whether in a therapy office, a men's circle, or a conversation around a family table, David showed up the same way: present, purposeful, and unwavering in his belief that emotional healing and mental health support are every person's birthright.

On October 10, 2010, David married Teresa Scott, beginning a partnership that would enrich the final chapter of his life. Teresa was his beloved wife, trusted companion, and daily source of joy. Together they created a home filled with photographs, memories, and the beautiful weaving together of two families. Her children—Ciara, Daniel, and Evan—and her mother, Meredith "Pinkey," became cherished threads in that tapestry. Through sixteen years of marriage, she loved him with steadfast devotion, remaining faithfully by his side until he was welcomed into his ancestral circle.

David was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To Jasmine, Brittany, Brendon, Alyssa, Tirzah, Skyla and Scott Jr., he was simply Grandpa. They sought his counsel, listened to his stories, and cherished his presence. Each carries forward some part of his legacy.

His love multiplied again through his great-grandchildren, and it extended beyond bloodlines to his beloved godson, Niles, who held a special place in his heart. One of David's favorite traditions was taking his children to Baskin-Robbins for ice cream. Years later, he shared that same simple joy with his grandchildren. One scoop at a time, generations were nourished by the same enduring love.

David possessed a gentle spirit and an easy charm. He was naturally flirtatious, patient, and kind. He loved photography and found peace outdoors, especially at Holliday Park. He had a deep appreciation for plants and nature. He enjoyed baseball—especially the Chicago Cubs—as well as the NBA, WNBA, and classic westerns on television. He loved grilling chicken, baking cakes, eating popcorn, listening to jazz, and celebrating the spirit and culture of New Orleans and Mardi Gras.

Family remained central to his life. He was a little brother until the very end. Though he and his brother did not always see eye to eye, their love and admiration for one another never wavered. Over time, David became one of the elders of his family. Most of the aunts, uncles, and cousins of his generation have now passed on, but in his final hours, two of his remaining cousins sat faithfully at his bedside. That steadfast presence reflected the kind of family from which he came.

He was also "Uncle David" to Beverly's nieces and nephews, a title they continued to use long after the family had grown and changed.

David never met a stranger. He was fiercely loyal to those he called friend and grateful to be called a friend in return. That loyalty extended beyond family, reaching grandchildren's friends, neighbors, community members, and countless others who affectionately called him "Grandpa," whether they shared his bloodline or not.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Thelma Muldrow; his aunts Jennie Bea Harris, Willie Whisonant, and Helen Rodgers; his granddaughter Dasia; and his great-grandson Maasai. Alongside his mother, these women served as the beloved matriarchs of the family and were among the ancestors who welcomed him home.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Teresa Scott Muldrow; his daughters, Dana Muldrow and Dawn Thorpe; his grandchildren, Jasmine (Brandon) Johnson, Brittany (Ahmad) Paden, Brendon Martin, Alyssa Walker, , Tirzah Thorpe, Skyla Thorpe and Scott Thorpe Jr. his great-grandchildren, Nassir Paden and twins Parker and Lennox Johnson; his brother, Charles Muldrow; cherished family friend Jinae, mother of his godson Niles; and a village of cousins, kindred, Warrior brothers of the ManKind Project, kinspeople of Inward Journey of Memphis, and all who knew the gift of calling him Grandpa.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held at 12:45pm, on Friday, June 26, 2026, after a calling and Omega Psi Phi Memorial Service 11:45pm at Washington Park Cemetery North, 2702 Kessler Boulevard West Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46228. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the David L. Muldrow Memorial Scholarship Fund. https://gofund.me/b7ff6e135

With gratitude, pride, and a love that does not end, we release him to the ancestors.

"The only truly dead are those who have been forgotten." — African Proverb