David Pirtle

Sullivan, IN. David Eugene Pirtle, 68, of Sullivan, died on November 7, 2015 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was born on March 22, 1947, in Sullivan, Indiana to Vernor E. "Buck" and Virginia R. "Pat" Pirtle, both deceased. He was a 1965 graduate of Sullivan High School and 1973 graduate of Indiana State University. He taught 32 years in the Southwest Sullivan School Corporation, spending 30 years at Graysville Elementary before retiring from Carlisle Elementary in 2005. David also was employed for 44 years as a union ironworker through Local 439. Toward the end of his career, he also served as an instructor with the Apprentice Program through Local 22. David is survived by his wife of 43 years Judy (Murdock) Pirtle, daughters Katie (Jerry) Couch of Graysville, Indiana, and Mandy (Jim) Thurston of Westfield, Indiana; grandchildren Jared, Emma, and Samuel Couch, and Patrick and Matthew Thurston; brother, Dan (Jean), an aunt Ruth Rose of Rockford, Illinois, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. David believed in service to others. After achieving Eagle Scout status he later served as a scout master. He coached numerous youth baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball teams. He was a member of the Turman Township Volunteer Fire Department for many years. His faith, which was very important to him, led him to volunteer for mission trips to disaster regions in Indiana, as well as participating in projects that benefited Sullivan County such as the food pantry at Our Father's Arms. David was an IHSAA official in both softball and volleyball. He was Past President of the Sullivan County Historical Society, Past President of the Sullivan County United Methodist Men, and life member of the National Education Association and the Indiana State Teachers Education Association. He had served of the Board of Directors for ISTA prior to his retirement from teaching. He was a member of Kingsley Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent. David was an outdoorsman who loved to be in the woods. He loved sharing this love by volunteering for the annual 8th grade raft trip on the Wabash River. He was an ardent fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, but his greatest joy was being with family. He always could be counted on to be ready to play in whatever game his grandchildren wanted. Visitation will be at Holmes Memorial Chapel, Sullivan, from 4-8pm on Thursday, November 12, with Masonic Services at 7:00pm. The funeral will be Friday, November 13 at 11:00am with burial at Center Ridge in Sullivan to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Fathers Arms. In lieu of monetary donations, the family requests donation of volunteer time to the cause of your choosing.

Visitation will be at Holmes Memorial Chapel, Sullivan, from 4-8pm on Thursday, November 12, with Masonic Services at 7:00pm. The funeral will be Friday, November 13 at 11:00am with burial at Center Ridge in Sullivan to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Fathers Arms. In lieu of monetary donations, the family requests donation of volunteer time to the cause of your choosing.