David Gentis

URBANA – David Gentis, 79 of Urbana, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 in his home. David was born on March 26, 1946. He was the son of Alton and Ruth Ann Gentis and grew up on the family farm along with brothers Daniel, Richard, Ronald, and sister Jody.

David was a 1964 graduate of Graham. Upon graduation he earned his GM Mechanics Certificate and went to work as a mechanic at Trenor's in Urbana. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves 435th Medical Battalion from 1967-1971. During this time, he married Sandy (Mattox) and they were married for 57 years. He will be remembered as a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the cool Dad that treated his nieces, nephews, and sons' friends like his own! He was always willing to help someone in need but wouldn't be taken advantage of.

He enjoyed classic cars, race cars and tractors, and he enjoyed working on all three. In 1971 Dave teamed up with stock car racing legend, Neal Sceva. From 1972-1978, David made a living as Neal's full-time race car builder/maintainer/manager. In a time when race cars were built and not bought, Neal's Fords were not only the most consistent performing, but also the best looking on the tracks throughout the Midwest. Dave and Neal highlighted their racing years together with a 3rd place finish at the 1974 World 100, a win in the 1974 ASA Midwest 300, and Neal's 600th feature win along with numerous other wins and local track championships.

In 1978, with local rule changes and smaller crowds, Dave couldn't support his family with racing alone. Dave raced, farmed, and worked 3rd shift for Thomas Kappel Trucking. After a few races, Dave and Neal decided to split. They remained friends until Neal's passing in 1985. Dave continued working at Thomas Kappel and farming until 1980 before returning to the farm full time. Dave was a 4th generation farmer and partner in the Gentis Family Farm, a Century Farm. Dave loved working on the farm as well as maintaining the woods and pasture. There weren't very many days you wouldn't find him working around the farm or in the shop!

David is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sandy Gentis; sons, Christopher (Ashly), Joshua (Holli); grandchildren, Dylan, Telanei, Sevonei, Elaei, Carson, Landry, Brookston, and Macoy; sister, Jody (Kevin); brother, Ronald, sisters-in-law, Kay Yates and Janet Gentis; as well as many nieces and nephews, including Ty Angles and Chase Yates who were like sons to him.

David is preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law Juanita Mattox; brothers, Daniel and Richard; and sisters-in-law, Dianne and Sue. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Miami Valley Hospital, the home healthcare nurses and therapists at Buckeye Home Health, and hospice nurses at Ohio's Hospice.

Graveside service will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 in the Terre Haute Cemetery with Pastor Justin Raines officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Gentis Family Farm, 3616 Valley Pike, Urbana, from 11-11:30 a.m. to line the drive in tribute and join the procession to the cemetery; the procession to the cemetery will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Following the graveside services, a gathering will be held at the Mad River Township Building, 2773 Vance Rd., St. Paris, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in David's memory to the Donzil Hall Scholarship Endowment Fund of the Springfield Foundation, 333 North Limestone St., Suite 201, Springfield, Ohio 45503.

Arrangements are entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.