David Alan Segerson

Surrounded by his loving family on January 24, 2026, David Alan Segerson of Columbia, MD was peacefully called to his eternal home with Jesus after sudden septic shock at Howard County General Hospital. He was 83.

David was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on April 13, 1942 to the late Wilbur Charles Segerson and the late Vivian Sullivan Segerson. David didn’t have a traditional “hometown” as his father, a career Air Force pilot throughout David’s childhood, was stationed in the mid-west United States, Japan, Korea, and Spain. Three Rivers was his anchor where his grandmothers lived and whom he loved and visited with his family.

David graduated from Madrid Dependents High School (Madrid/Torrejon) in 1960. As a boy scout, he traveled with his troop through Europe. He played the cornet in school bands and at college. After high school, David continued his education at the University of Denver. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Denver in 1964 and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.

David married Mary Ellen McElvain, whom he met while attending the university, on July 3, 1965 in Ogden, Utah, Mary’s hometown. St. Louis, Missouri became their first home before relocating in the Washington, D.C. suburbs in Maryland in 1966. The Segerson family was rooted into the Columbia community for 50 years. David swam laps several times a week for nearly all of those 50 years. He taught the children to swim, bike ride and was a fun active father. He loved his family and showed his love in many ways. Many cross-county road trips were taken in the minivan with David at the wheel stopping at all the road side attractions. His home was the place for holiday celebrations, picnics with lawn games in the backyard. David enjoyed being with family and gardening with Mary. He did many “hands on” renovation projects to the home during his life.

David was employed with defense contractors for ten years working in electromagnetic interference. He received his master’s degree in Medical Engineering in 1974 from George Washington University and was employed by the newly established Bureau of Medical Devices of the FDA in 1974. The Bureau was restructured in 1983 to premarket approval of medical devices. His pet project was in developing standards for electromagnetic interference in Medical Devices. David retired in 2007 as Deputy Director of the Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices.

David was a deep thinker with insightful observation. He could always make us laugh with his witty comments and interesting conversations. He was a wonderful father; patient, kind and happy. David was always at hand to help and teach his children and grandchildren. Interruptions to his personal tasks with your emergencies were met with interest, thought, advice or solutions; never with annoyance.

David is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Segerson and their children, Christy Segerson (David Snyder) of Catonsville, MD, Eric Segerson (Pamela) of Columbia, MD and, Linda Sorrell (Steven) of Frederick, MD and precious grandchildren Eli and Jaxon Sorrell, Elliott, Evelyn, Ezra Segerson and step-grandson, Tannor Snyder. David is also survived by his brother, Keith Segerson (Janet) of Chantilly, VA, nephews Garrett and Mitchell Segerson and niece, Jennifer Robert. He was treasured by Mary’s extended family of brothers, nieces, nephews and cousins; he was an all-around exceptional man.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, office@christlutheran.net (12570 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD) or the American Red Cross (redcross.org/donate).

A Celebration of Life for David will be held on March 28, 2026, at 11:00 am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Clarksville followed by a reception.