David Vail Jr.

INDIANAPOLIS - David Vail Jr., age 78, of Indianapolis passed away on March 23, 2024, at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis. David was born in Cambridge City, Indiana on January 18, 1946 as the only child to David and Martha (Himes) Vail. He attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in Cambridge City, Indiana. David was raised and lived his entire life in Eastern and Central Indiana and until his passing was living in Indianapolis with his long-time companion, Jeanette Hauk.
David grew up with farming in his blood and had a passion for anything related to agriculture and the weather. He had to grow up quickly when his father passed away when David was 13 years old, leaving him to care for his mother. He took over the farm duties at an early age and spent the first half of life living and working on the farm, raising livestock and growing crops. His work ethic and values were formed from those early years of living and working on the farm.
After farming, he worked multiple manufacturing jobs and eventually retired but he never really retired. His life was defined by hard work so retiring and taking it easy was not for him. Instead, he started a lawn service business and kept it going up until his passing. He was already making plans for the 2024 season and showing no signs of fully retiring even after multiple recent surgeries. He took pride in being able to provide lawn service for his elderly customers who were unable to do it for themselves. As a testament to his determination, he was out mowing yards this past summer while getting around with the help of a walker and cane.
When he wasn't working, he enjoyed watching basketball, football, and professional wrestling on television. He was a member of the Millersville Masonic Lodge in Indianapolis and was responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the grounds. He regularly talked about how he had to get the grass mowed at the lodge so it would look good for the upcoming event. He also enjoyed staying connected with his neighbors and eating at local establishments to meet with friends and make new ones.
Because of his connection to farming, he had a passion for collecting toy tractors and attending tractor shows. He enjoyed auctions and always had one circled on his calendar. Whether he was looking to buy pigs, toy tractors, lawn mowers or any number of other items, there was an auction somewhere for him to attend.
David left an indelible mark on everyone he met and had a quick wit often given with a sly smirk on his face. He had an incredible memory and he could vividly retell events in detail whether last month or 50 years ago. He had a mind for math and could accurately calculate numbers in his head faster than most with a calculator.
David is survived by his four children, Gordon, Cheryl Apple, Jerry, and Colleen Titus, as well as his six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren with his former wife, Linda (Doddridge) Vail. His measure of life success can be visibly seen by the success and happiness of his companion, children, and their families. Dad, we love you and you will always be with us.
Visitation will be held Saturday March 30, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, Indiana 46140. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 12:00 p.m. at the mortuary. A burial will follow the funeral service at Valley Grove Cemetery in Milton, Indiana.
In leu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made by mail to the Millersville Masonic Lodge, 4990 Kessler Boulevard East Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46220, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.