David Russell Medert

David Russell Medert

CHILLICOTHE: David Russell Medert, 85, of Chillicothe, died unexpectedly at his home on October 29, 2013.

The son of Russell and Juanita Riggs Medert, he was born February 29, 1928, in Chillicothe.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Patricia Fife; son, David V. (Andrea); daughter, Melissa Darby (Don); sister, Marlene Knoles (Buzz); grandsons, Chad Hancock (Jennifer) and Ryan Darby (Tara), of Chillicothe, Matt Medert (Kristina), of Groton, CT.; granddaughter, Minda Lowery (Martin), of Jacksonville, Ohio; and several great- grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Jerry Medert.

Dave was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, Class of 1946, and following graduation, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He received an Associate Degree from Ohio University. He retired as a staff lieutenant from the Ohio Highway Patrol after 28 years of service. He was the owner of Dunrovin Fruit Farm in Athens County from 1972-89.

For over fifty years, Dave put forth every effort to ensure our American heritage is not forgotten. He is the last charter member of the Joshua Sill Chapter Civil War Round Table, organized in Chillicothe in 1957. He was a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and was elected its commander-in-chief in 1995. The following year, he organized a reunion of the last Confederate and one of the last two Union widows of Civil War soldiers. He also belonged to the Arthur St. Clair Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Post #62, and the Ross County Historical Society.

For many years, Dave organized Memorial Day ceremonies in Grandview Cemetery. He spearheaded fundraisers to restore the Civil War monument in Grandview and the Civil War and World War I monuments in Yoctangee Park. In 2003, he initiated plans for a World War II memorial, led the effort to raise the money, and assisted in designing the monument that now stands in Veterans Park. In 2010, he was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame for his work in remembering veterans.

Dave was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Scioto Lodge No. 6 F. & A.M., as well as all Masonic bodies.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no viewing hours and private graveside services will be held under the direction of the HALLER FUNERAL HOME.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ross County Historical Society, 45 W. Fifth St., Chillicothe, OH 45601, an organization dear to his heart.