David Lemar Neidlinger

David Lemar Neidlinger, age 84, of Aurora, Colorado died on April 18, 2024 in his home in Aurora. He was born on January 19, 1940 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The son of Helen Neidlinger (Salmon) and Lloyd Neidlinger he lived in Indiana until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1959. David was eventually stationed in Charleston, South Carolina where he met the love of his life. Joyce (Coleman) married David on June 12th, 1961 and at the time of his passing they had been married 63 years.
David served in the Air Force for 23 years. He earned several awards during his service including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the small arms expert marksmanship ribbon. David served in the Vietnam war in 1962. He served as the Chapel Management Superintendent on many Air Force bases including the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he fell in love with Colorado. Additionally, he served at Lackland AF base in San Antonio, Clark AF Base in the Philippines and finally Lowry AF base in Aurora. When the Air Force wanted to move him away from Colorado he decided it was time to retire and settle permanently in the state that he loved.
After David retired he went to college on the GI bill and received his bachelor degree in computer science in 1985. He then went to work as a salesman. He retired from this field of work in 2003. He loved calling on clients and selling and always said he wished he had started earlier in life, it was his true calling.
David also had a long career as a sports official. He started umpiring in 1978 after playing softball in San Antonio. He enjoyed sports officiating so much he started taking on more responsibilities; training umpires, and managing schedules for softball tournaments around the nation. He also was involved with umpiring for CHSSA, the Colorado High School Activities Association. David was inducted into the Colorado American Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2007. David met and maintained wonderful relationships with many of his colleagues across the country. In his later years, David found his greatest joys working at tournaments, seeing his friends, driving the golf cart around and making sure his flock of umpires were well tended. He was very well loved by everyone he met. David retired from this line of work in September of 2021 and celebrated with many friends and loved ones in attendance.
He is proceeded in death by his parents as well as his brother Daniel Neidlinger and sister-in- law Cheryl Neidlinger (Kelly) and sister Diann (Neidlinger). Survivors include his wife Joyce Neidlinger (Coleman) of Aurora, two daughters and sons-in-law, Melanie McMichael (Neidlinger), Tim McMichael, Wendy Dowdeswell (Neidlinger), Tim Dowdeswell, as well as four grandchildren, Melanie's children; Elizabeth Huff (McMichael) and Kyle, David McMichael and Krestlyn and Wendy's children; Coleman Dowdeswell and Ellery Dowdeswell as well as many great grandchildren. David is also survived by his nephew, his brother Daniels' son, Todd Neidlinger of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Services will be held on May 10, 2024 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 19580 Pilgrims Pl, Parker CO 80138 at 11:00 am with interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:30 in the afternoon on May 10, 2024.
The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Wounded Warrior
Project.
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