Mr. David Kistler

1944 - 2014

SYRACUSE - David "Lawrence" Kistler of Syracuse, Ind., passed away on Saturday evening February 8, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 69 years old.

Lawrence was born on February 12, 1944, the son of Virgil and Anna (Priest) Kistler. On August 31, 1962, he married Suzanne Knepper. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Brian Kistler of Milford, Ind., David Kistler of Warsaw and Angela (Adam) Wilson of Milford; four grandchildren, Jordan and Hannah Kistler and Madison and Gavin Wilson; siblings, Frances Becker of South Bend, Arthur (Glendola) Kistler of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sandra Farris of Granger, Ind., and Darlene Alvord of Lakeland, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kathy Sue; his parents; and a brother, Gerald Kistler.

Lawrence retired as the sexton of Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell after many years of faithful service. He was a bus driver for Wawasee Community Schools for 17 years and had also worked with his father-in-law, Herald Knepper, in Knepper Construction for many years.

He was a member of Sparta United Church of Christ where he had served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. He also coached Little League baseball and served as a Boy Scout leader for many years. Most of all, Lawrence enjoyed being a granddad and spending time with his family whom he loved dearly. He was always there to support his family and cheer on the grandchildren at their games.

A funeral service will be held in Lawrence's honor on Thursday, February 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier. Pastor Wray McCalester will officiate. Burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Sparta United Church of Christ, 2738 N. U.S. Highway 33, Kimmell, IN 46760 or the America Alzheimer's Association.