There is an empty place on this earth left by Chaplain Flemming's absence.

Chaplain Dave was the quintessential military chaplain and one of the loveliest, kindest, and most knowledgeable chaplains with whom I have ever had the honor and privilege of serving. It was a joy to know him and even more so, to call him a dear friend. He is missed by the entire world of folks whose lives he so deeply touched.

COL (RET) Kathy Platoni, Psy.D.

Chaplain Dave was one of the finest officers with whom I had the privilege of serving. He was always the voice of reason in the face of chaos. His kind soul and wry sense of humor were boundless. It was such a privilege to know him and for him to preside over my Army retirement ceremony. We later connected through Red Cross volunteerism. This wonderful soul will be sorely missed by the multitudes whose lives he touched.


I served with Chaplain (COL, Ret) Fleming in the United States Army Reserve.  He helped many Soldiers navigate through challenging periods in their lives.  He was also a friend.  He even let me play tennis with him during down times at our Army Annual Training.  He played regularly and I was just a hopeful novice.  I  was never able to best him at the game.  

He was ready, willing and able to help anyone in need, always leading with his famous smile and positive attitude.  My wife Liz and I were honored to be married by David at his church in Urbana.  Later, he also married our oldest son and his bride.  

Our deepest condolences to Cecelia, his children and his grandchildren for their loss.  May David Rest In Peace in God's comforting arms.  The Schnitzspahn family will remember David always

Colonel Fred Schnitzspahn, United States Army Retired 

"Holding  Rev. David Lee Fleming, family, extended family  and friends in the Light!" God rest his Soul in peace! Prayer 🙏 for peace and comfort to those grieving the loss! My deepest sympathy! 

As has already been so eloquently expressed here in these wonderful and well-deserved tributes to David, he definitely left his positive mark upon the Miami Valley Presbytery in his adept leadership to individuals and congregations alike. His community and social outreach was equally felt as well. He possessed perceptive and unparalleled pastoral skills and excelled as a "pastor's pastor" relating seamlessly to those of us blessed to serve as his colleagues. Above all else, however, it will be David's versatility and humility to fit the time and situation which will always be remembered and stand out for me. He truly was one of God's gems and enriched many lives with God's grace. May God bless and comfort his family with the certain knowledge of  his continuing and lasting legacy on earth...a life well lived indeed!

I worked with David several years at the Red Cross. He was a person that always had a bright outlook on life and was always smiling. I never heard a negative word; conversations were always positive.  He could take a gloomy day and make it bright. I will miss him and the wisdom he passed on to others.

David Fleming served the Miami Presbytery in more capacities, both formal and informal, than any other member of the Presbytery, over an extended period. He served governing boards, churches, and most importantly, countless members of the Presbytery's churches in just about every ecclesiastical situation imaginable. He served with wisdom, grace, and compassion. He was the embodiment of "servant leadership."  During my tenure with the Presbytery I relied on his leadership countless times, particularly during a building project. I only regret that a recent illness prevented my being with him. He was my colleague and friend for forty years. My heart aches for Dave, and I shall miss him greatly.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you over the loss of Chaplain David Flemming. I offer my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.

John J Bartosh, COL, retUSA 

It is with a great sense of sorry and loss that I reflect on the passing of our family friend David.  Our friendship has spanned  over 50 years. I was honored to be a member of the Pulpit Nominating Committee that called David to Urbana.  A childhood friend , now also a Presbyterian Pastor, had alerted us that "The best young pastor in Indiana is Dave Fleming".  Four of us went to Rushville, Indiana.... and a few short months later,  David accepted our Urbana Call.   What a wonderful and memorable period of service for our congregation and our community!
David is at the center of many of our families milestones. He married two of my daughters, baptized  four of my grandchildren and daughter Molly was his first Urbana baptism. He recently came out of retirement and presided at my wife Barbara' s funeral.  What a supportive guide and friend David has been!
Our heartfelt condolences and love to Cecelia and Debbie, Denise and Matt in your loss.
Alan K. Webster and family. 


David Fleming provided the gift of compassion and genuine care in all he did with Red Cross.  I interacted wit him in several different hats he wore during his tenure of humanitarian service.  A biblical verse I cherish from one of our encounters is "Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything". James 1: 2- 4   May David's family find strength in the love & support from all who will cherish his memory as you endure this unexpected loss of your loved one.


I served with Chaplain Fleming in the 83 ARCOM, 452 SPT GP & the 2078 USARF School. CH Fleming cared for quit a flock of USAR soldiers in Ohio & Kentucky. His compassion and sensitivity were shown to all and appreciated by all. Not only in cantonment but also in the field CH Fleming made everything better.
Since time in the army reserves has passed, I have had the pleasure of staying in contact with David. He was always there and available. 
Chaplain Fleming also married my wife Karen and me. 
We will miss him greatly.
Godspeed David.

"To love is not to give of your riches but to reveal to others their riches; their gifts, their value; and to trust them and their capacity to grow."  These words of Jean Vanier beautifully describe the ministry I experienced in the many different occasions I had to work with David.  He brought joy and good humor, wisdom and always that ever present smile to his work.  As Holy week approaches, I think of ' What Wondrous Love Is This' and picture David singing on into eternity.   A special leaf has fallen from the presbytery tree and he will be missed.  

To the dear friends and family sadly, and personally sharing a deep loss made real because of 
a significant life lived by David.
His example for many closest to him know best their lives have been touched...influenced and  encouraged as mine has been over time knowing him and sharing the benefit of a wonderful working relationship with son, Matthew.
Skills in chaplaincy, communication, leadership tell us much about the compliments shared by his life and sadly, the loss known by many.  Many sympathies are offered now 
to the Fleming Family.

Sorry for your loss.  I enjoyed meeting David when I first volunteered with ARC after Hurricane Maria.  He was a great mentor for several years.  May he rest in peace.
 

David Fleming was one of my favorite people.  Always, kind, caring and one of the busiest people I've ever met!  His "busy" was serving others.  Always humble, David  would casually say something like, "Yeah, I'm flying down for the Red Cross to help with..."  or "The Red Cross is sending me..."  
My deepest sympathy and love to David's family and friends.  I hold you in my heart and prayers.
 

Blessings of peace to Dave’s family and friends! He will be missed tremendously! I volunteered with Dave over the years at the ARC. Rest In Peace Dave! Your job was well done!

Working with David at the presbytery office was a joy. He had a marvelous sense of humor. On one occasion, when the fellowship hall at Memorial Church was full of stuff for their annual rummage sake, David found a very small bike and was tooling around in circles on it. At 6 feet tall, he didn't fit! Suddenly, he lost control and crashed. He sat up with his hands dripping blood from his broken nose. Margaret Haney grabbed a towel for him and took him to the ER.  They returned a couple of hours later with his nose no longer bleeding. He was wearing a white shirt, and there was not a drop of blood on it. So David!



Such a sweet man. We could always count on him to preach for us at Xenia U P Church. Will be missed. Your family is in our prayers. Donald and Norma King

So sorry for your loss. David was an important part of our Church family when growing up in Urbana and he continued contact with my Parents. 
John Bartley 

One of the finest men to ever walk this earth. 


I was honor to work with David at the Red Cross over several years. I found him to be a person that took the time to listen and offer advice when asked. He always had a smile and always spoke well of others. I know I will miss him and that he is now in the hands of God.

I had the absolute pleasure of working beside David at the Dayton Red Cross, and a year prior as an AmeriCorps Intern.  His steady and warm temperament and approachable nature was a calming force in a sometime chaotic world, and he is much loved and greatly missed.  

David was my colleague on the staff of the Miami Presbytery for 11 years.  During that time I came to know him well and to appreciate his many gifts--of leadership, friendship, participation in both fun and serious undertakings in the course of our work together.  He will be missed by so many people who knew him.   He was a gifted leader through his knowledge of building community and in enjoying the interactions of the people around him and the contribution he could add to the fun we had knowing him.   Through his understanding of the community of Christ and the joy he brought to all of us, he served so many people throughout his life and work.   We were all deeply blessed by his presence in so many ways.   

David was a wonderful colleague. He had a positive outlook and was always eager to work toward a just solution to any problem. He was a man of action and among the first to help when a tornado struck Xenia.  He lived his faith.

David was a true humanitarian -- always giving, always made time when there was a need.  It was a great honor to serve beside him in the American Red Cross, and he will truly be missed by his friends and Red Cross family.  Sincere sympathies to his family.

David was a Pastor, an Educator, a Friend. And always a child of God, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, his Lord and Savior. His presence will be missed by so many.

“We’ll done, good and faithful servant!” A gifted pastor and fine man, David undoubtedly was thus welcomed by his Creator when he entered heaven on Saturday. David was one of my most unforgettable characters. Always friendly, energetic and adventurous, with a story at the ready, David lived life with gusto and didn’t waste a single day of the time he was given.  David and I shared a 50 year friendship as camp director/counselor,  pastor/congregant, and friend/friend. David was instrumental in helping me find employment and bringing me to Urbana, and was influential in my faith journey during his ministry at Urbana First Presbyterian where he married my husband and me and baptized my children. He valuably contributed to whatever community or organization of which he was a part. He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Celia, children, Debbie, Denise, and Matt and their spouses, his grandchildren, and other family and friends. 

We all have our own path to walk with Christ. I was one of the fortunate ones to have Dave Fleming guide me on my path as I was getting started. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have his influence on me. Dave was my pastor growing up at the Presbyterian Church in Urbana. I grew up with his daughters and he always treated me with respect (often when I didn’t deserve it). He was the church camp director at Kirkmont where I met my soul mate. He assisted in our wedding almost 35 years ago. He always demonstrated grace and patience and was always looking to make the world a better place. His memory will live on in his children and those that respected and followed his lead to press forward on their path with Christ. Thank you Dave Fleming, for all you and your family have done for me and my family. You have left a lasting impression on us and I promise to assist others on their path, even when it is difficult. Just like you did. Your work will continue. Now is time for you to rest. I look forward to seeing you again.

All of us who grew up with Dave sensed his life would be one of achievement and purpose. His chosen occupation surely answered that. He was a great friend and his hallmark was kindness and caring. He will be missed. Sincerest sympathies to Celia and the family.

Stephen B. Himes
New Castle, IN.

OBITUARY

David Lee Fleming

July 11, 1940 – April 2, 2022

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

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