David Lee Stimmel

David Lee Stimmel, 80, of Elkton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Laurelwood Health Care Center. Born on March 6, 1945, in Hagerstown, he was the son of the late Paul and Martha (Delouney) Stimmel.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Maureen Decker.

David graduated from North Hagerstown High School in 1963 and went on to earn his degree from Frostburg State College in 1967. His passion for music and education was evident throughout his life. While in college, he served as the 1st Vice President of the Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a vibrant musical community. He later achieved a Master’s Equivalent from Towson State University.

For 35 years, David shared his love of music with countless students across Maryland. He taught at Mount Airy Middle School, Winfield Elementary School, and Westminster High School in Carroll County, as well as at Smithsburg Elementary and Smithsburg Middle School in Washington County.

Beyond the classroom, David embraced a spirit of adventure. He traveled to 35 countries, enjoying beautiful experiences throughout the Caribbean and Europe. Many of these journeys included cruises that created cherished memories of joy and laughter with his wife, family and friends.

David’s devotion extended to his community as well. He was a proud member of Elks Lodge 378, where he found fellowship, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose.

His hobbies brought him much joy—he collected trains and railroad memorabilia, spent hours tinkering in his shed, and took pride in caring meticulously for his lawn. A gifted trumpet player, he played with a passion that reflected his lively spirit. Yet, above all, his greatest joy was time spent with his treasured family, particularly his grandchildren, and with his beloved cat, Lucy.

David is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Deborah Snyder Stimmel; daughters Roni McNairn and husband Duane, and Robin Souders and husband Bill; grandchildren Jordon McNairn and husband Mason Frazier, Connor McNairn and wife Hollie, Zoe Decker, and Ian Decker; and great-grandchildren Talmadge, Atley, and one precious baby on the way.

The family of David Lee Stimmel invites you to join them in honoring and celebrating his life. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland, with burial to follow at Rest Haven Cemetery. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163, or online at www.michaeljfox.org. 

David’s legacy lives on in the music he taught, the adventures he shared, and the love he poured into his family and community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.