David Earl Wardrop

David Earl Wardrop, 82, of Sayre, PA, went to be with his son in heaven on January 3, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 3, 1943, in Bloomsburg, PA, Dave was the son of the late Earl (Shirley) Wardrop and Mae (Don) Gensel. A beloved husband, father, brother, Pappy, and friend, Dave's life was marked by his steadfast devotion to family, faith, and community.

Dave was a graduate of Central Columbia High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. After high school, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force, spending time in Turkey and Thailand during the Vietnam War. Following his four years of service, he began taking classes at LaSalle and later graduated from Bloomsburg College with a degree in Business Education. Dave devoted the next 28½ years to teaching business courses at Athens Area High School.

Dave was well known at the school and throughout the community for his coaching. In his early years, he served as an assistant softball coach and later became the varsity coach, a role he held for 23 years. He also spent 12 years as an assistant coach for the girls' basketball team. His passion for coaching extended into the community, where he coached Little League, Teener League, and Senior Legion baseball. He played a key role in the development of the girls' Little League softball program and coached for several years. After retiring from coaching to spend more time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, he continued to attend local sporting events to cheer on the teams-though his favorite games were always those played by his grandchildren.

Dave was an active member of the Athens Wesleyan Church, where he served as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, board member, usher, teller, greeter, and Sunday school secretary. Serving others was important to him, and he extended that service beyond the church by volunteering with AARP, preparing taxes for senior citizens for 12 years. While volunteering, he still found time to enjoy his favorite hobby-playing golf-which he especially loved sharing with his golf buddies, David Lanning and Evan Strange.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Scott Wardrop; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Wardrop. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail Lanning Wardrop; daughters Debbie (Todd) Warner and Denise (Erik) Larson; sister Ann (Ron) Diltz; sister Karen Wardrop; brother Mark (Ruth) Wardrop; and brother Pete Wardrop; and grandchildren Christopher (Maria), Andrew (Rory), Abbie, Elise Larson, Rebekah, Hannah, and Grace Warner. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Dave's passing leaves an enormous hole in the lives of those who love him, but his legacy of faith, service, and love will continue in the many lives he touched.

Calling hours for Dave will be held at the Athens Wesleyan Church in Sayre, PA, on Saturday, January 17th at 10 a.m., with Military Honors and a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 11 a.m. A special thank you is extended to Dave Webster, who crafted the urn for his ashes. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Athens Wesleyan Church Building Fund, 3903 Wilawana Rd., Sayre, PA 18840 or Hope for the Warriors, https://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/fundraiser/6889143.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, PA. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message for Dave's family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com