David Puckett, Sr.

David Brownlee Puckett, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away April 23rd at his home.

David was born in Evansville, IN on June 25, 1940, to Annabelle (Taylor) and Neal Puckett. He attended Princeton High School where he was president of his junior and senior classes, president of the student council and captain of the Tigers basketball team. He continued his education at the United States Naval Academy where as a senior, he was selected Brigade Commander. As part of his duties, he escorted President Kennedy from the Navy side, across the gridiron to the Army side during halftime of the 1962 Navy-Army football game. In the spring of 1963, Vice President Johnson awarded his class their diplomas.

After graduation, David served as Company Officer at the USNA for the incoming Midshipmen class, served aboard the submarine USS Bang, attended both the Nuclear Power School in Vallejo, CA and the Navy’s submarine school in New London, CT. For his final commission he served aboard the nuclear -powered fleet ballistic missile submarine USS Patrick Henry for four years. Upon his honorable discharge, he matriculated at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University where he earned his Master’s Degree.

David knew the love of his life, Judi Woods, for 80 years. They married in a military wedding in June 1963, and moved to Annapolis to start their lives together. They were married for 61 years, raised four children, traveled the world and truly loved one another.

David began his 25-year career at Owens-Corning in 1970. He spent his last years in the International Division. He was tasked with developing joint ventures with firms in South Korea and Hong Kong. During that time, he and Judi lived in Seoul and Hong Kong. After retiring from OC, David built a financial planning service, before finally retiring 15 years later. In retirement, he enjoyed tennis, pickleball, traveling and most of all, relished his ever-growing family.

David was a true community servant, serving on numerous boards at Monroe Street Methodist Church, Sylvania Area Family Services, Sunset House Retirement Center, as President of the USNA Class of 1963 Foundation, President of the USNA Alumni -Toledo Chapter, and President and Treasurer of the Sylvania Rotary.

David is survived by his loving and adored wife Judi, their cherished children Melissa Farley, Melanie (Mark) Fisher, Ashley (Jeff) Bieber, David (Jen) Puckett Jr., 10 grandchildren Andrew Farley, Gage Fisher, Alli Puckett, Annabelle Fisher, Katherine Fisher (Joe) Watson, David Puckett III, Hannah Bieber, Nolan Bieber, Lilly Puckett, Taylor Bieber and 2 great grandchildren Ellery & Avery Farley. He is also survived by his two sisters Lucy Leonard and Prudie Campbell.

A celebration of life will be held on May 10th, 2:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. Family will receive friends and family at 1 pm.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to:

Sylvania Area Family Services, 5440 Marshall Road, Sylvania, Ohio 43560

Naval Academy Foundation, www.usna.com/give, please choose “Other” and specify “1963 CAE”

Otterbein Ashanti Hospice, 4040 Indian Rd., Toledo, OH 43606

David’s ashes will be interred at the Navy Academy Columbarium at a future date.