David Larry Settle

David Larry Settle

David Larry Settle, a man who cherished the freedom of the skies, yet was grounded in the love of his family and friends, passed away on April 21, 2004 at the age of 59, following an eight-month illness.

David was a pilot at the Timken Company for 31 years, eventually assuming the role of Chief Pilot/Manager. An out standing administrator with an exceptional ability to balance safety, cost-efficiency and per sonal service, he was proud of the professionalism his department provided the company. His peers unequivocally regarded him as a highly-skilled avia tor.

David began flying at the age of 16, earning money for flight time by driving the district school bus and bagging grocer ies at a local store. After gradu ating with honors from high school, he earned a scholarship to his father's alma mater, Clemson University (class of 1966). He enrolled in ROTC, was president of the aviation club, and earned his flying instructor's certification. David enlisted in the Air Force (1966-1971) and served his country as a fighter pilot. His tours of duty included England, Eastern Europe and the United States. Rising to the rank of Captain, he was chosen as one of an elite group of pilots to fly the Air Force's first supersonic fighter jet, the F-100.

David and his younger sister, Janie, were raised in Inman, South Carolina by their parents John L. and Catherine (nee Mc Millan) Settle. David spent many Saturdays working on the family farm, where they raised grain, corn, peaches and cotton. As an adult, he reminisced about driving the farm tractor at the young age of 8. David and his sister grew up playing with the family parakeets, learning the gentle art of caring for birds from their mother, Catherine. David's love for birds continued throughout his life. A parakeet or cockatiel helped make his home complete.

Growing up, David was close to his many Settle and McMillan grandparents, aunts, un cles, and cousins. Sixteen years ago, he was honored to be named godfather to his only niece, Emily. David delighted in showing others examples of her talent for art, writing, and mu sic.

David remained a bachelor for many years. When not busy working for Timken, he took ski trips to Colorado, Utah and Canada. He frequently flew his 1965 Mooney to South Caroli na to visit his family. David, Janie, and his brother-in-law Tommy would fly on weekend excursions to places such as New Orleans and Florida, often with Tommy co-piloting.

At the age of 45, David met Nancy Joan O'Hara. After dating for two years, they married on July 18, 1992 in the beautiful garden of friends Paul Sack and Gail Wetherell-Sack. Suddenly, the long-time bachelor became a father to Nancy's four grown children. David was a wonderful stepfather, and was engaged in all aspects of the children's lives--college, marriages, career changes, and the adoptions and births of grandchildren.

One of their first dates was to the Canton Parade of Homes; in retrospect, this was a sign of things to come. Two years later, planning a new home became a shared passion in their lives. It took several years to find the perfect location, but once they did, David delighted in all aspects of the design. His hard work eventually won their home a North Canton beautification award. David loved his new neighborhood and took on the unofficial role of community ambassador. He welcomed new neighbors, assisted in planning block parties, and helped bring the community closer by pub lishing a neighborhood directory. He and Nancy took frequent walks through the neighborhood and delighted in showing their grandchildren, Jonay and Jo seph, the new construction sites.

Although David lived in Can ton for more than 30 years, he remained a southern boy at heart. He never lost his soft South Carolina accent. His pe can pie, lovingly made from his mother's recipe, became a favorite of Ohio family and friends. David looked forward to his sister's care packages of fig preserves and pickled okra.

David was a humble and caring man. His acts of kindness were carried out in a quiet and unassuming manner. People knew that David could be counted on no matter what the circumstance.

David was a people person. He looked forward to the last Friday of the month, when he would attend meetings of the Quiet Birdmen. David loved to chat, especially at lunch. Any subject was fair game, whether it be family news, aviation, or the latest on HGTV. In the last weeks of his life, he was particularly fond of sharing updates about his new little grandson, Lazarus.

David was secure in his relationship with God. Two and a half years ago, David and Nancy began regularly attending Grace United Methodist Church. This became a great joy in their lives. David enjoyed the informal praise service and participated in the Alpha program. At the 2003 Christmas Eve service David testified about his illness and its impact on his walk with Christ. The support of his church community, friends, and family awakened his appreciation for the abundance of bless ings and love in his life.

David was preceded in death by his dear mother, Catherine (nee McMillan) Settle. He is survived by his father, John L. Settle (Inman, South Carolina); his wife, Nancy; stepchildren, Melanie Scheetz (married to Bruce Reed), Theresemarie Scheetz (married to Matthew Smith), Daniel Scheetz (married to Jenna Goans Scheetz), and Katie Scheetz; and grandchildren, Jonay and Joseph Reed and Lazarus Scheetz Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Janie Settle Green, brother-in- law, Tom Green, and precious niece Emily Catherine Green of Inman, South Carolina. Many South Carolina aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as his Ohio friends and family, will miss him greatly.

Calling hours will be held at Lamiell Funeral Home, 1353 Cleveland Avenue, on Friday, April 23rd, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of David's life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2004 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1720 Schneider Street, N.W., North Canton. Burial will be at North Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, Community Outreach Program, in memory of David L. Settle. (Lamiell, 330-456-7375.)