David Henry Zirkle
David Henry Zirkle
David Henry Zirkle, age 80, passed away peacefully at Holzer Medical Center after a short but brave battle with metastatic urothelial cell cancer.
Mr. Zirkle is survived by his wife, Maudie “Ann” Zirkle, who he married on July 25th, 1967. She is his soulmate whom he loved faithfully throughout their lives together on earth. He rarely left her side as she suffered years of declining mental and physical health, due to the effects of her advanced Alzheimer’s Dementia. He dedicated the last several years of his life taking care of her needs around the clock, until he became too sick to do so, a mere couple of weeks prior to his death.
David also leaves behind three daughters, who he loved dearly and was so very proud of: Terri (Bruce) Hysell of Nitro, WV, Debbie (Cecil) Maynard of Racine, Ohio, and Brenda (Mike) Seagraves of Pomeroy, OH. In addition, his youngest brother (and his mini-me) Michael (Joy) Zirkle survives him in Mason, WV, whose phone calls and visits he always greatly enjoyed and looked forward to. Weasel Lyons has been a special friend to our Dad over the years, his “buddy”, and he survives him as well, in Racine.
Other surviving family members include 8 grandchildren and (15 great-grandchildren). He admired, cherished, and loved them all: Samantha Smith (Bradley & Austin), Jessica King (Zackery), Travis Hysell (Kristen & Henry) Jesse Maynard (Taylor & Baker), Amber Dugan (Lily, Amelia, Cain, Jacob, & Romeo), Nik Seagraves, Steffany Patterson (Quinn, Camilla, & Rosalyn), and Kyrie Cline.
David was the best uncle and brother-in-law too. Just ask any of his other family members, including surviving nieces and nephews he loved to brag about: Ruthanna Albright, LeAnna Newsome, Michele Zirkle, Pamela Trussell, Samantha Berkley, Rusty Maynard, Jessica Loudin, Courtney Jones, and their families; And surviving brother-in-law, Russell Maynard.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Ruth Zirkle, and several siblings; Donald Zirkle, Maxine Zirkle, Betty Lou Friedmaker, RuthAnn Plants, and an infant sister. He was also preceded in death by a beloved nephew, Sammy Plants; And a special brother-in-law, Paul Maynard, who he admired immensely and who was more like a blood brother than in-law.
David was born in Hammond, Indiana, on the 9th of June, 1942. Mr. Zirkle is a Veteran of the military, having proudly served our county in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Germany during his deployment and achieved the rank of E-4, Senior Airman 1st Class. He grew up in the small town of Clifton, WV and graduated from Wahama High School prior to joining the service. He later took on an apprenticeship at Imperial Electric in Middleport, OH and became a certified electrician. David ultimately settled with his family in the small river town of Racine, OH, where he lived the remainder of his life. He loved this little town and the people who live and work there. It is a wonderful and supportive community. David spent many years volunteering for the city’s Park Board and for the Racine Area Community Organization, assisting with multiple fundraising events. Those who knew him would tell you he never met a stranger, and he was as friendly and handy as they come. Most of his professional career was spent as an electrician and performing other roles for the Southern Ohio Coal Company at Raccoon Mine #3 (later Meigs Mine #31), where he retired after 30 years. A few of those years were spent underground, and as I understand there was one near-miss too many before he bid on above ground work again, prior to his retirement when the mines shut down. During his time working there, he won many safety awards and gained a lifetime of irreplaceable, long-lasting friendships and experiences. And the stories,.. there were always so many great, entertaining stories. It seems mine workers knew how to enjoy a few shenanigans too and still get the job done!
Respecting his wishes, and leaving this world in the same humble way in which he lived life, there will be no funeral services. Like he would say to the little ones when they’d visit and get ready to leave, see ya later, alligator. Love you. And to honor the sentiment of a former Air Force soldier, Hooah, Dad! Fly high…
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, if you would like to honor our Dad, please consider donating to one of the charities he faithfully supported over the years:
Veterans of Foreign Wars
vfw.org
American Legion
mylegion.org
Shriners Hospitals
donate.lovetotherescue.org
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
stjude.org
Written in loving memory, by his youngest daughter, Brenda Seagraves, on the 1st day of January, 2023*
