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David Soots Obituary
David L. Soots
Beloved English teacher David L. Soots passed away December 19 in Madrid, Spain. Born February 23, 1949, he was the son of the late James L. and Thelma (Huth) Soots.
A 1967 graduate of Kennedy Memorial High School, he completed his bachelor's degree at Marian College, graduating in 1971. David obtained his teaching credentials at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College while working at the college as a librarian. He was awarded a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University in 1976.
David had a long and distinguished career as an educator. He taught English at Bishop Chatard High School for 29 years and was a revered presence in numerous facets of school life. Over the years he served as a tennis coach, yearbook adviser, senior class sponsor, English department chair, and on occasion, even played Santa Claus for Christmas festivities. David was also a long time adviser for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods' external degree program; an adjunct instructor in both the IUPUI Continuing Studies Department and at Indiana Business College; and most recently a faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College, from 2005 to the present. His passion for art, architecture, literature and world travel spurred him to lead many student tours of European countries during his career.
His students remember with deep fondness his high educational standards, his ability to motivate them toward broad cultural understanding, his keen wit, gentle soul, and twinkling eyes.
David was predeceased by his parents and half-brother James Allen. Allen's wife, Kathy; their sons James, Michael, Steven, and Robert; and six great-nieces and nephews survive. He is also survived by brother Darryl Soots; his wife Carol; their children Darryl, Jr., and Darlene; and three great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Monday, January 2, 2012, from 4-8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Council 3660, 511 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227. (Entrance to the facility parking lot is immediately east of the CVS.) A toast in David's honor will take place at 6:30 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1530 S. Union St., Indianapolis, IN 46225. A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, http://www.diabetes.org, or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 3001 E. 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218, http://www.svdpindy.org.
"His life was gentle, and the elements/So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up/And say to all the world 'This was a man!' " --William Shakespeare
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Soots
Regina Bayless Trumbull
January 23, 2012
He was the first to tell me...go to California, oh yeah go to NYC...I've had many great teachers in my life but David Soots was my favorite by far. He taught my so many great lessons about literature and opening up to the world at large. I think Mr. Soots changed the course of my life and my thinking forever. He was a very special man, friend, teacher...he will missed but never ever forgotten.
Renee Rule
January 6, 2012
You will be missed.
Andy Erbse
January 3, 2012
you will be missed mr. soots. you inspired a love of literature and language i appreciate daily and i am forever grateful for you, your service and inspiration.
andy erbse
bchs class of 94
Sophia Harris
January 2, 2012
Salud Mr. Soots and family! You were such an inspiration and one of my favorite teachers. Thinking of you bring lots of smiles to many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth Barranger
January 2, 2012
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of David. I knew him as "Mr. Soots"my Senior Year English teacher at Chatard. I so enjoyed his class. He was a great and inspirational teacher! I will always have fond memories of my Senior Year English class with Mr. Soots! You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Nanette Jackson
January 1, 2012
He was a mentor, a colleague, and friend whose presence will always be with me.
Barney wood
January 1, 2012
Thanks for being a great teacher!
Mary Yingling Patchen
January 1, 2012
My daughter Jessica Yingling was a huge fan of Mr. Soots and owes much to him for her success today.
Valeriano Garcia
December 31, 2011
To the family, friends and relatives of David Soots,
As one of the very last persons dealing with him in a David conscious status, I'd like to express my condolences and sympathies to all of you. I feel impress on David strengths in life and I do perceive his memory will last for long time among family, friends, peers and students.
Jona Braden
December 31, 2011
Oh Dave my heart sank and smiled when I heard of your passing ... you were and always been a treasure to me! My time on Chatard faculty so many years ago continues to bring back so many amazing memories! You were a part of that small window of time that has impacted me profoundly. I am blessed to have crossed your path so many years ago. Your passion for teaching was contagious!
December 31, 2011
Glad we got to know you and we miss you.
Wivi-Ann & Mats
December 31, 2011
Glad we got to know you. We will miss you.
Wivi-Ann & Mats
Theodore Schott '68
December 31, 2011
So-sorry, to the Family, Friends, Loved-Ones.
John Turner
December 31, 2011
To the Soots Family, A great Man in David L. Soots will truly be missed by so many. Mr. Soots at Bishop Chatard was a Legend! He gave me my first ever Dentention & one of the greatest talks I've ever heard about how one day we will fail but never let that keep you from your dreams. Thank you Mr. Soots, your Legacy will always live on through the students you touched.
December 31, 2011
David, your legacy will live, but I will miss you! Lucy Wilkins, Hot Springs Village, AR
Chris Doyle
December 31, 2011
Never had Mr. Soots at Chatard (Class of '86), but many of my classmates had him as a teacher and loved him! Rest in peace.
Mike Emmett
December 31, 2011
As a former student and a friend of David, I am eternally grateful for the impact he has had on my life. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends in this time of loss.
Paula Corley
December 31, 2011
To the Family of Mr. David Soots,
I recall the wit and kindness of Mr. Soots while at Chatard H.S.
May God comfort you at this time of grief.
With sympathy,
Paula Corley
Shannon Wooldridge
December 31, 2011
My dear cousin David, I am so sorry to wake this morning to the news of your passing. You where a wonderful, kind, thoughtful, and generous man, who will be missed by a great many people whom where blessed to have their lives touched by you! May you rest in peace and watch over us all!
Tracy Eiteljorge
December 31, 2011
You will be missed! I'm glad to have had you as a teacher!
Gail Fox
December 31, 2011
So sorry to hear of David's passing. I worked with him at the University of Indianapolis and enjoyed his friendship. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Tim Sullivan
December 31, 2011
To be remembered the way he will be remembered by all is a testament to a wonderful life and a legacy that will long survive. We will miss you friend.
Doris Mauney
December 31, 2011
Doris Mauney
December 31, 2011
Doris Mauney
December 31, 2011
Doris Mauney
December 31, 2011
Joan Soots/Mauney
December 31, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Donna (Soots) Wooldridge
December 31, 2011
My Dear Cousin David, I'm so very sorry to hear of your passing, you lived a long good life in giving to others. When we were kids grown up, you always wanted to play school and you had to be the teacher. Never dreaming you would grow up and become such a wonderful teacher. May you rest in peace. - Your Cousin, Donna (Soots) Wooldridge
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