William David "Dave" Naughton, age 78, of Ames and formerly of Nevada, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Rolling Green Village in Nevada.

Dave was born on September 25, 1947, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, the son of Raymond James and Neva (Flater) Naughton.

He graduated from Nevada High School in 1965 and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Iowa State University. He later earned a second bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in psychology. David was united in marriage to Cecilia Campbell on May 21, 1988, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Most of Dave's working career was spent in the insurance profession.

Dave was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames and played the trumpet in the music ministry for over 20 years.

He was deeply passionate about music, especially the trumpet of which he had a vast collection. For years he played at Prairie Meadows before the horse races, and he could notably play the heraldic trumpet (no valves).

Dave's love of music led him to become a member of several organizations, including the Nevada Community Band (for more than 20 years), the Hawkeye Alumni Band, the Ames Municipal Band, and Buglers Across America.

He was known to call friends and family on their birthdays and play "Happy Birthday" on his trumpet through the phone. He also directed the orchestra for Hello, Dolly! during the ISU VEISHEA celebration. Children who knew Dave will remember his uncanny Donald Duck voice.

Dave is survived by his wife, Cecilia, of Ames; his son, Ted (Mollie) Farmer of Dover, Florida; his daughters, Karen (Bill) Otto of Ames and Makenzie Naughton (Mary Hall) of Chicago, Illinois; his grandson, Timothy James Farmer; and his great-grandson, Clarkton Farmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jack Naughton; and his cousin, Murray Lounsberry.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Avenue, Ames, Iowa. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX6P5YMiIc0. Following the Mass, a reception and luncheon will be held at the church.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Dave. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.