Reverend David Smith Van Brakle

Reverend David Smith Van Brakle, 40, of Lawrenceville, N.J. passed away February 8, 2023 in his home. He and his wife, Erica R. (Ashburn) Van Brakle shared 15 years of marriage and the joy of raising two sons, Ethan (11) and William (8).

Born in Silver Spring, MD, he was the son of John D. Van Brakle of Allentown, PA and the late Debra Lin (Smith) Van Brakle. David was a graduate of Parkland High School (2000), Eastern University (2004) and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (2007). He was in the process of obtaining his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Most recently, David served as the Associate Regional Pastor for the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey. Previously, he served in Saginaw (MI), Syracuse (NY), and Wilmette (IL). Additionally, David participated in the congregational care of church members and nurturing the spiritual gifts of others in his childhood congregation of Calvary Baptist Church in Allentown, PA.

In each community David became a part of, he focused on what was needed and necessary for the success and improvement of the community's faith and well-being. He will be deeply missed by those he left behind including: his wife, Erica; sons, Ethan and William; Father, John; Sister, Mollee, her husband, John and their daughters, Adylin, Poppy and Jane; and his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ours hearts grieve his untimely death.

Services: Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on March 4, 2023 at Royersford Baptist Church, 452 S. Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468. Arrangements are entrusted to K.V. Knopp Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, may be made to the American Baptist Foundation, 420 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19403 or The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.