David Lloyd Backlin, January 9, 1960~April 9, 2023

Apr 20, 2023

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.

8 Condolences

  1. Craig

    David has been a long time friend. We spoke frequently. I miss him. May he be free and happy now.

    Reply
    • John

      David, we chatted online at times. Sad to know your life’s highway found it’s exit already. May your rest always be peaceful.

      Reply
  2. C. Patrick Zilliacus

    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.

    Reply
  3. Bob Underdown

    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!

    Reply
  4. MikieTimT

    Will miss the exchanges had over the years about Arkansas’ roads and road department. He leaves a western Arkansas sized hole behind.

    Reply
  5. Denny Gibson

    I and those old roads are going to miss you.

    Reply
  6. David Leach

    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.

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. BHC Pic of the Week Nr. 234 – The Bridgehunter's Chronicles - […] historic highway was one of many that were visited and documented by another fellow pontist, David L. Backlin. Known…

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