DAVID JOHN LEMAK

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home

David John Lemak was born June 15, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, to John and Mary Lemak. He passed away after nearly 3 year battling cancer surrounded by his loving family on June 10, 2011. He graduated from Brecksville High School in1965. He went on to Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and being recognized as one of the top 5 AFROTC cadets in the nation in 1969. Before entering active duty, he earned his MBA from Indiana University in 1971.

He went on to a 20-year career in the Air Force as a C-130 Navigator, including three years of service in Southeast Asia. In 1980, he was assigned to the Air Force Academy as an instructor of management. As recognition of his teaching abilities, he was sent to Arizona State University for three years to earn his PhD in business strategy. He returned to the Academy until his retirement in 1991.

The family moved to Kennewick in 1991, as he was hired by Washington State University to direct the undergraduate and graduate business programs. Over his 18-year career at WSU TC, he was promoted to tenured full professor and served as Interim Chancellor of the campus in 2006. In 2009, he was named Director of the Bachelor of Applied Science at Columbia Basin College, serving in that capacity until his passing.

Dave was very active in the community, serving as Past Commander of VFW Post 5785, Kennewick, Past President of Richland Rotary and founding board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Pacific NW Mustang Club, American Legion Post 34, Dust Devils Booster Club and TC Hockey Booster Club. He loved attending all sporting events.

He is survived by his cherished wife Peggy, four children and six grandchildren: daughter Laura Oles and husband David; grandchildren Rachel, and twins William and Ryan of San Marcos, Texas; son Todd McGilton and wife Brandi, grandchildren Blake and Emma of Kennewick; daughter Anna Rhodes and husband Mike, grandson Bauer of Odessa, Texas; son David Jr. DJ and wife Kara of Kennewick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the David Lemak Scholarship Fund, Columbia Basin College Foundation or the VFW 5785 Scholarship Fund (28 E. 10th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336).

Funeral services will be held at the Richland Church of Christ on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a graveside Presentation of Colors at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.