David Eiland

David Eiland was born in Chicago, IL on January 8, 1965, to the union of Levander and Clementine Eiland. He was the youngest of two children. 

David was Christened as an infant at Greater Institutional A.M.E. Church where he attended Sunday School, served as an altar boy, and was a member of the church choir. In 1976, the family joined Bethel A.M.E. Church where David was a junior usher, member of the Young People’s Division (YPD), and the Thomas Youth Choir. 

David attended Edward Coles Elementary School, and graduated from Northwest High School in Omaha, Nebraska before attending Harold Washington College. David was an extremely hard worker and committed to taking care of his family. He held several jobs both during and after high school before taking an oath on August 27, 1990, to protect and serve as a Chicago Police Officer. During David’s tenure as a CPD officer, he earned rankings on the Hostage Barricaded and Terrorist Team and Special Weapons and Tactics. After serving the City of Chicago for 30 years, David retired on January 15, 2020. 

On September 9, 2006, David married the love of his life, Shannon Tomlinson. Over the last 16 years, they’ve made countless memories together doing the things they loved, like traveling, going to concerts, and dining at different restaurants. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other, and their last major venture was purchasing a new home together. Their rallying cry was “Team Eiland!” At times teasing each other in front of friends, they were a model of real love—without being sappy.  

David enjoyed spending time with his family and would light up the room with his contagious smile and affectionate laughter. David made sure his family was taken care of and had exactly what they needed. David was extremely reliable and supported everyone that reached out. No task/request was ever too small or large for him; whatever it was, he would make it happen. David took pride in supporting his daughter and grandchildren through their endeavors, and although it took him a while to warm up to the idea, he enjoyed watching his grandson play football. David loved his family unconditionally, ensured they were all safe, and gave the absolute best hugs.

David was also known for perfecting meats on the grill. He worked tirelessly to make sure every dish he prepared was perfected for his guests just as he would with any other task he decided to take on. 

David leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife of 16 years Shannon Eiland; daughter Natalie Eiland (her mother Lisa Eiland); parents Levander and Clementine Eiland; sister Pamela Mills (Shorty); grandchildren Ahlisa Monroe and Josiah Jackson; niece Tiffanie C. Barthelemy (David B.); great-nephews David and Dominic Barthelemy; Godfather Rev. Dr. David C. Coleman; Godson Cameron Yarbrough.

He also leaves behind his father-in-law William “Bill” Tomlinson; brother-in-law William "Billy" Tomlinson Jr.; sister-in-law Renee King; niece Lexandria “Lexi” Castillo; nephew Dane Tomlinson; and a host of aunts, cousins, other relatives, and friends that have become part of his family and will miss him dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 8580 Wicker Ave in St. John, IN on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1:00 PM.

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