David Allan Chamness

David Allan Chamness, 83, entered into heavenly rest on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. He was born in Otwell, IN in his home on March 31, 1942, to the late Cletus and (Georgia) Irene Chamness. David joined his beloved wife Shirley who recently passed away in January. What a wonderful reunion that was.
David was the patriarch of the Chamness family and leaves behind a wonderful legacy. He was the most devoted husband and caregiver to his wife Shirley Kay Chamness for 60 years. They were married on 10/16/1964 and have a true love story. He was the best father, Pappaw, Great Grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. David will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. He would do anything for anyone to help them out.
David is survived by his children: Mark (Diana) Chamness, Scott (Anne) Chamness, Julie (John) Mokris, Jennifer (Roger) Bailey; Grandchildren: Jordan (Lindsey) Roy; Michael (Chrissy) Chamness; Haley (Austin) Doersam; Sarah Chamness, Alexander (Sarah) Chamness; Spencer, Isabella and Elizabeth Chamness; Kennady and Landon Mokris; and Breah, Dax and Shae Bailey; Great grandchildren: Parker and Sutton Doersam; Kaid Chamness; Mo, Jo, and John Chamness and another baby boy Chamness on the way; Brother: Roger Chamness and Sister: Mary Lou Breidenbaugh; Lifelong friends: Gary Lemond and Bill Whitehead; Surviving also: many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
David is preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley Kay Chamness, parents Cletus and Georgia Irene Chamness, brother-in-law Charles Breidenbaugh, and sister-in-law Debbie Chamness.
David was the first to graduate college from his family. He went to Vincennes University and then earned a Master's degree from Indiana University. He began his career at Washington High School as a teacher. He also was a teacher and administrator at Connersville and Clinton Central High School. In 1978, Dave and Shirley moved to Oakland City, Indiana with their four children, where he became the Superintendent of East Gibson School Corporation. David also taught US History at Wood Memorial High School. He retired as the elementary principal at Oakland City Elementary after devoting 33 years to East Gibson School Corporation. Many former students have shared personal experiences where Mr. Chamness made a big difference in their life.
David had a dry sense of humor and made everyone laugh. He loved to play golf with his lifelong friends, Bill, Gary, and Denzel. He also had many hobbies of woodworking, hunting, fishing, watching IU basketball, reading and learning about history, and taking care of his flower garden. David was so proud of his kids, grandkids, and great-grand-kids. He loved going to any event they were in and bragging on their achievements. He was always ready to help in any way he could, whether it be with something that needed to be fixed at one of the houses, babysit, drive to pick up grandkids or to go to an event, go to the store to get groceries daily, build a pool, or just anything you could possibly need advice on.
David always helped with the grandkid sleepovers by going bright and early to the store to get the best doughnuts. The kids always got to pick their favorite kind and have special memories of Pappaw's doughnuts. David and his grandkids loved playing "steal Pappaw's hat" in the pool or "steal Pappaw's chair" right before he sat down. These children brought him so much joy and blessings. David was a wonderful example to his family of how to be a great father and husband and taught them to always choose to do the right thing. He never stopped teaching us how to be better people even in the last few months he showed us how to never give up and fight until the end for what is right. He was our hero and will be missed dearly.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6 at Lamb Basham Memorial Chapel from 12 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. with Pastor Doug Low officiating. Burial will follow at Spurgeon Cemetery in Spurgeon, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shephard United Methodist Church 201 W. Harrison St., Oakland City, IN 47660, where Dave and Shirley raised their family and attended.
Friends may send a condolence to www.lambbasham.com