Evangel University, a private Christian university associated with the Assemblies of God and located in Springfield, Missouri, lost its first and only Sports Information Director this week when David Fillmore passed away as a result of mesothelioma.

According to a KY3 News report, Fillmore was an alumnus of the University, having graduated in 1976. After a stint as a journalist in Colorado, he returned to Missouri and his alma mater to become Evangel’s Sports Information Director (SID) in October 1977. He also served as the NAIA District 16 SID from 1985-1993 and the Heart of American Conference SID from 1988-2003. He served as the University’s SID for 32 years.

Prior to his enrollment as a student at Evangel University, Fillmore served his country in the U.S. Army. He spent 13 months in Vietnam as a machine gunner with the infantry as a member of the 101st Airborne Division.

He was honored in 1999 with the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award, presented by the NAIA Sports Information Directors Assocation in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to the profession of sports information professionals within the NIA.” He also was inducted into the Evangel Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.

Fillmore reportedly died from mesothelioma and complications from pneumonia on Sunday, Dec. 21. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Deanna Brady.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.