David Walter Cleland, 81
David Walter Cleland, 81
David Walter Cleland, 81, of Coolville, Ohio went to be with his Lord and Savior and late wife Mary Cleland on Friday, January 28, 2021, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born in Racine, Ohio on April 29, 1940. He was one of eight children of the late Walter and Mae Belle Cleland. He attended Racine High School, graduated in 1957. Dave served in the Merchant Marines until 1962 followed by his long career in the produce industry.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, sister; Mary Sloter, brothers; Allen, Bruce, John and George Cleland, son; Richard Taylor, daughter; Rita Cleland, and grandson; Chad Jacobs.
Dave married the love of his life and best friend, Mary (Krise)Cleland on May 29, 1976, until her homegoing on November 15, 2016. Dave missed her greatly and spent the last 5 years talking about how much he missed her and was looking forward to seeing her in heaven.
Dave is survived by brothers; Earl (Jean) Cleland of Dupont, Indiana and Carroll Cleland of Ashland, Kentucky; sons, Greg (Cheryl) Taylor of Pomeroy, Ohio; Brian (Deanna) Cleland of Lexington, Kentucky; Scott (Beth Bay) Cleland of Coolville, Ohio and daughters Tammie Taylor Cleland of Racine, Ohio and Diana (Shane) Jacobs of Forest, Virginia; 19 grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren.
Dave was the Fire Chief for nearly two decades for the Village of Racine, Ohio. He was the driving force behind the implementation of the Village of Racine Water Works. Dave had a great sense of humor and loved to share stories of his life with his family and friends. He was a devoted man of faith, was a long-time member and a trustee of the Torch Baptist Church in Torch, Ohio. He loved his church family. Dave was an avid hunter, enjoyed being outdoors, bird watching, gardening and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
His son, Pastor Brian Cleland will be officiating his funeral service.
The White-Schwarzel Funeral Home of Coolville, Ohio are honored to have been chosen to serve Dave’s family and your special memories or condolences may be shared at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. prior to the funeral at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family asks that donations be made to the local food pantry sponsored by Amazing Grace Community Church in Tuppers Plains, Ohio.
