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David Poultney Obituary
David George Poultney
Nov. 29, 1939 - April 18, 2021
NORMAL - David George Poultney, 81, of Normal, IL died April 18, 2021 with his wife by his side. David was born November 29, 1939, the third son of George and Ruth (King) Poultney in Leominster, MA. He married Judy Rommer on June 2, 1962 in Pearl River, NY. She survives; they had been married 58 years.
Also surviving are two sons: Gregory (Jody), Bloomington, and Derek (Carey), Ojai, CA. There are four grandchildren: Sarah and Colin of Bloomington and Emerson and Noah of California. Family survivors are brothers: Sherman (JoAnne), Pittsboro, NC and Donald (Sally), Gardner, MA; a sister Karen (Glenn) Eschrich, Lakeland, FL; as well as sister-in-law Patt Rommer, NY; and brothers-in-law: Robert Rommer, TN and Bob Battey, WA.
David attended Drew University, Madison, NJ where he played college basketball and tennis, graduating in 1961. He received his Ph.D from the University of Michigan in 1968. His teaching career in music history and theory spanned years at the University of Missouri, Texas Tech University, and especially Illinois State University from 1968-1998, where he was a full professor of Music. He authored three books about music and was famous in the family for his many "Poultneyisms". He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Normal.
One of the great loves of his life was camping and hiking, especially in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite National Park – hiking the complete John Muir Trail. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren – as a caregiver to Sarah and Colin from babyhood and a frequent visitor to Emma and Noah in California.
David was an organist and pianist at several churches in his early career. He loved to travel, read, write fiction, garden, follow the Red Sox and Cubs, and collect recordings of opera and operatic singers. He loved being with his family more than anything.
Memorials may be made to Illinois State University School of Music or Alzheimer's Association. Notes of condolences and memories may be shared online at www.calvertmemorial.com.
Due to COVID-19, there will be a private celebration of his life held at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL.
Memories and Condolences
for David Poultney
Sponsored by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel.
Mary Lou Lawson
April 25, 2021
My heart goes out to you & your family, Judy. I was blessed the times Dave brought Sarah & Colin to the library when he was babysitting for them. I could tell he loved them so much. I will be praying for you all.
Love. Mary Lou
Larry VanMersbergen
April 24, 2021
Dr. Poultney was one of my favorite professors at ISU. I will miss him
Annis and Ron Guenther
April 22, 2021
Judy and family, We are so very sorry for your loss ! Judy , you had tried so VERY hard to keep Dave comfortable and be with him with your love and caring to the very end ! May God comfort you, and your loved ones in these very sad days! Love, Annis and Ron
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Carrie ORourke
April 21, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, Judy. It was a pleasure to welcomed into your home, on so many occasions, when I was one of Dave's students. I have such good memories of you and Dave. My deep condolences to you and the boys.
Ron and Shirley Irion
April 21, 2021
Judy and Family, We are so very saddened to learn of your loss. You took such good care of your husband and father thru those difficult years. We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to meet him several years ago at a meal at church. Our love and God´s Blessings at this difficult . time.
Karen Bersche
April 21, 2021
Judy, sorry for your loss. Heartfelt prayers for you and your loved ones.
Jo Ann Duncan
April 21, 2021
My deepest sympathy to you, Judy and your entire family. May God give you peace and strength at this sad time. Sincerely, Jo Ann Duncan, member of First Church.
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