Dr. David Studebaker

News Death Notice

STUDEBAKER, Dr. David long time resident of Springfield, died at the age of 98 on December 21, 2011. Dave was a respected optometrist in Springfield for 46 years, retiring at the age of 84. He was a faithful contributor to his profession and served as president of Ohio Optometric Assoc., president of Ohio State Board of Optometry Examiners, president of Lions Eye Research Board, president of Springfield Lions Club, and member of West Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank Board. He examined free of charge the eyes of over 5000 children for the Springfield Lions Club during his 46 year practice and was recipient of the Lions Melon Jones Award. Dr. Studebaker was also active in community affairs while serving as president of Clark County Cancer Society, vice chairman of Clark County Red Cross, chairman of O.I.C Board, and Elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Manchester College in 1936 after which he was a teacher and coach at Catawba H.S. He was then a farmer and building contractor prior to entering OSU School of Optometry where he graduated in 1951. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Geneva (Aukerman), his devoted second wife Bette (Gump), parents, Ben and Nellie (Teach) Studebaker, sister, Lucille (Bridge) and brother Howard Arthur. Survivors include his brother, Dr. Richard Studebaker of Centerville, OH, son, Ned and his wife Ying, of Columbus, daughter, Pam Smiga and her husband Gary, of Centerville, son, Joe and his wife Linda, of Dayton, step-daughter, Judy Jerardi and her husband Pete, of Dayton, grandchildren, Shane Studebaker, Shannon Studebaker, Kimberly Studebaker, Nick Smiga, Nate Smiga, step-grandsons, Marc Fisher and Eric Jerardi, plus five great grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his honorable work ethic, honesty, giving spirit, quiet humility, his gratitude and charming smile, and for the love he shared with his family. The family will receive friends 12-2:00 PM Friday December 23, 2011 at the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio with funeral service at 2:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be in New Carlisle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420 or the Life Enrichment Center, 425 N. Findlay St., Dayton, OH 45404. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.trostelchapman.com