David Lloyd Backlin was called home on April 9, 2023.
David loved the freedom of the open road. He loved finding and photographing old bridges and highways that everyone else had forgotten. He had a deep knowledge of the roadways and byways of Arkansas and loved to share this with others. He contributed to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas and other local history groups.
For many years, David played in the Society for Creative Anachronism, where he had many friends.
David was quiet, kind, loyal, and thoughtful. He loved animals, especially cats and kittens.
Born in Joilet, IL to Archie and Marcella Backlin on January 9, 1960, he attended Fayetteville public schools until the Backlins moved to Mokena, Illinois. Graduating from Mattoon High School he returned to Fayetteville and attended the University of Arkansas where he studied advertising, marketing, and public relations. Later he moved to Fort Smith and founded All the Trimmings; selling costuming supplies for medieval reenactment groups. He worked for many years in the service industry and volunteered in non-profit groups.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Marcella Backlin. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Battershell of Fayetteville; nephew Damien Battershell, and grand-nephew Wyatt Battershell.
He is missed by his family and friends.
The memorial service will be private.
David was a good soul. He had his passions in life and will be missed by his family and friends.
David has been a long time friend. We spoke frequently. I miss him. May he be free and happy now.
David, we chatted online at times. Sad to know your life’s highway found it’s exit already. May your rest always be peaceful.
I never met David in person but he was a
good cyberfriend in spite of the
distance between us (I live in Maryland).
May memories of him be a blessing always.
David and I were friends back in the early 80s and reconnected over Facebook when I joined in 2009. He was a great friend and I already miss him. Goodbye Old Friend!
Will miss the exchanges had over the years about Arkansas’ roads and road department. He leaves a western Arkansas sized hole behind.
I and those old roads are going to miss you.
I have just today learned of David’s passing. In addition to bridges and highways, he was also quite interested in road maps and was a member of the Road Map Collectors Association. I knew David from his attendance at some of the organization’s MapCons, as well as through his Facebook posts. He will be missed.