William David “Dave” Dawalt

William David Dawalt, 81, Twelve Mile, stepped in to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 3:17 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born October 31, 1943, he was the son of William Levi and Emma Mae (DeHaven) Dawalt of Macy, Indiana; he lived the hard working life of a farm boy until he finished his high school career. David graduated from Gilead High School in 1961. Dave worked on a farm and loved manual labor and enjoyed his work in helping others throughout his life. His exemplary hard work and determination to never give up benefitted many who knew him. Dave helped many people as he offered his skills volunteering his assistance of his life skills and knowledge to bless many who he knew.

Dave was deeply loved and cherished by his family; wife of 62 years, Renee K. Dawalt, sons William Stacey (Polly) Dawalt, Fort Wayne, Indiana; his late son, Tony Lee Dawalt, whose wife, Jenny, survives; Ossian, Indiana; and grandchildren, CJ Dawalt, Jillien Dawalt and Cossette (Carlos) Cabrera, Cassville, Indiana.

Additional surviving grandchildren include, Angel (Dale) McKinnerney, Keller, TX; John Dowdy, Woodburn, Indiana; Stephanie (Steve) Nahrwold-Walton, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Matt Dowdy, Fort Wayne, Indiana; and (Shane) Barth, Huntertown, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Britney Dowdy, Austin (Andrea) Dowdy, Haley (Nick) Dowdy, Mallary Nahrwold, Jake Nahrwold, Hunter Barth, Hanna Barth, and Bella Dowdy; and seven great-great grandchildren.

Also surviving are sisters, Grace Richardson of Macy, Indiana; Patty (Chris) McGuire, Rochester, Indiana; brother-in-law, Harold (Patricia) Wiltshire, Great Falls, MT; nieces and nephews; Wendy (Dale) Green, Culver, Indiana; Mindee (Mike) Turner, Logansport, Indiana; Rachel Merrix, Peru, Indiana; Jon (Brittany) Merrix, Louisiana; Mark (Leah) Merrix, Macy, Indiana; Chris (Christy) McGuire, Peru, Indiana; Kristi (Phil) Lockhart, Sugar Grove, IL; Brett (Jen) Wiltshire, Naperville, IL; Paula (John) Kasperick, Bozeman, MT; and Nichole (Bryce) Scala, Bozeman, MT.

Dave was preceded in death by parents; his youngest son, Tony Lee Dawalt (November 2024); daughter-in-law, Sharon Rose Dawalt (February 2022); brother-in-law, Arch Wiltshire (December 2021); and granddaughter, Sheila Barth (January, 2020).

Dave was a well loved member of his church family Zion Chapel, Peru, Indiana, and also attended the Mexico Church of the Brethren for a time. Dave was deeply involved with his community of Twelve Mite Indiana where he assisted with many community events throughout the years. This past summer Dave and his wife, Renee were blessed to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Summer Parade.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Zion Chapel Church, Peru, with Pastor Rod Correll officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mexico.

Visitation will be from 3-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that each were to anonymously assist someone in need in Dave's memory.