David Paul McCorkle Sr.

David Paul McCorkle, Sr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed engineer, passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on October 14, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was the son of Thomas Lee and Lois Beverly McCorkle.

A proud graduate of Shortridge High School, David pursued his passion for engineering, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in June 1969. His impressive career spanned several companies, including Electro Voice in South Bend, Pacific Stereo in San Francisco, and RCA in Indianapolis, where he was honored twice with the David Sarnoff Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. In his later years, he shared his expertise as a consultant for various electronic businesses, leaving a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

Throughout his years, David maintained a passion for life that was reflected in his diverse interests. An avid football fan, he delighted in cheering on the Indianapolis Colts. He could often be found participating in his hobby of flying modified model airplanes, and he often filled his free time with various electronic projects, including sketching intricate schematics with his trusty steno pad and mechanical pencil. Notably, during the pandemic, while many took to baking, David found fascination in building Tesla coils. When asked "what does a Tesla coil do?", his response was always, "It sparks" in his dry, sarcastic humor that many have come to love. 

David's spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, intelligence, and unwavering passion for engineering and family will continue to inspire all he touched.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Carolyn McCorkle and Beverly McCorkle Sutton.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Heaton McCorkle; children Mary Katherine McCorkle Linne and David Paul McCorkle, Jr.; and grandchildren Charlotte and Lois Linne. 

A memorial gathering will be held at Flanner Buchanan - Geist (7855 Cork Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236) on Saturday, October 17th from 2pm to 4pm.