David Fannin

Oct. 8, 1949–April 10, 2024

 

David Edward Fannin (formerly of Wheelersburg) affectionately known as “Dave” to his family and friends passed away at his home on April 10, 2024, in California, Maryland after fighting a courageous battle of cancer for over 17 years.

He was born on Oct. 8, 1949, to Edward Burl Fannin and Rosemary Treat Fannin.

He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend to many, and one of the most giving of God’s people; always serving and helping others.

Growing up he played sports and that was an integral part of his life. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cincinnati Reds fan.

He graduated from Wheelersburg High School in 1968 and was inducted into the Wheelersburg Hall of Fame in 2019.

Dave began his work career at USS Chemical in 1971 and retired from then Sunoco Chemicals in 2004. He remained in contact with many of his coworkers/friends throughout his retirement years.

After his retirement, he worked for FEMA through numerous disasters, still wanting to help those in need.

Other than his family, service to others was paramount in his life. He became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18 and served in Porter Township and Green Township Fire Departments for a total of 50 years, serving twice as chief at Porter Township. He served as an EMT for Porter Township for over 25 years. While at Porter Township he served as fire prevention officer for 15 years.

He was instrumental in developing and initiating a Fire Safety Program within the Wheelersburg Local Schools. He continued fire safety for the students by constructing a Fire Safety trailer that could be used each year during Fire Prevention Week.

Some of his closest friends were his brothers in the fire service.

Dave had an interest in history throughout his entire life. He began buying various collectibles and enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets.

His collection of firefighting memorabilia that started with a fire alarm box is now a museum in his home. He acquired many fire trucks over the years including a Howe hand pumper from the 1800s and the one he considered his prize; Portsmouth Ohio Fire Department 1941 Chevrolet pick-up truck.

After his final retirement, he began genealogy work. After months of reading, he discovered that his great-great-grandfather helped organize the early volunteer fire companies in Portsmouth. He continued his research, and in 2018, published a book which was not only a great achievement honoring his family’s legacy, but showed their commitment to firefighting.

On June 5,1981, he married his soul mate, Amber Bee Clearym at Wheelersburg Methodist Church. They built a family of faith, love and laughter, making wonderful memories for 42 years.

His legacy will live on and continue through his son, Kyle David, and daughter, Wendi Rae, and his grandchildren, Raelen Rose and Ryder Mitch, who he loved beyond measure.

He will be missed by many others who referred to him as Uncle Dave or Papaw Dave or were lucky enough to call him a friend.

Dave was a long-time member of the Wheelersburg Methodist Church where he served in various roles. His favorite service act was the church pantry. He enjoyed spending time with the guys on Tuesday mornings when they picked up the food, and then organized and bagged it. Pantry Pass Out Day always left him feeling as if he’d done something worthwhile for those in need.

Dave leaves his loving sister, Merilee Duncan (Randy); brothers Terry (Betty) and Kevin; and sister-in-law, Betsy Fannin; nephews, nieces, cousins in Florida, Georgia and Australia; as well as many others who he considered family and friends, both local and afar that he met throughout his life and travels.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, Alan.

He will live on forever in our memories, in print and his apparatus being displayed at shows.

The family will receive family and friends at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, on Wednesday from 4–8 p.m.

A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at the Wheelersburg Methodist Church on Thursday] at 11 a.m. with Pastor Perry Prosch officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Burial Park.

A Celebration of Dave’s life will be held at a later date in Maryland for friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portsmouth Public Library Historical Department or Shawnee State University Center for Public History.

The family extends gratitude to the St. Mary’s Medstar Cancer Center for their love and care, as well as St. Mary’s Hospice.

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Rabindranath Tagore.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.