David Thatcher Meinertz born January 16, 1943, passed recently in Daytona, FL on August 18 ^th , 2019 at the age of 76. He leaves two daughters, Kirsten and Carly, his younger sister, Ann, and the boisterous and wonderful family of his beloved deceased wife Carole.

David was larger than life in most things. He was completely devoted to his wife of 30 years, Carole, and was devastated when she passed away a few months ago. He was a particularly fine pianist, an avid yachtsman, an enthusiastic fisherman, a participatory chef, a successful advertising executive and a marine carpenter par excellence .

To the end, he was a marine. He joined Marine ROTC while attending college at Columbia from which he received his Bachelor of Arts. He was an officer in the 5 ^th Marine Regiment.  He fought in Vietnam 1966 – 1967 and received the Purple Heart.  He was seriously wounded, promoted to First Lieutenant and medically retired after extensive treatment.   His commanding officer and many of his Marine buddies were lifetime friends. They stayed in communication throughout the years - many went fishing with him and stayed to enjoy his cuisine. They rallied to help as he declined.

The world was barely large enough for David. He came, he saw and did as much as he could possible fit – all was done in his time and in his way. He shall be missed.

The funeral service will be held on October 4, 2019 at 1 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.