David R. Nothwang

David R. Nothwang, age 81, passed away on November 14th, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Dave was born in Little Rock, AK, but moved to California with his family in his teens. He attended Van Nuys High School and UCLA before joining the Navy as a Naval Cadet in 1953. His Naval Career extended over 25 years. As a Navy Officer and Pilot he served in flying status aboard numerous aircraft carriers including the John F. Kennedy, and Enterprise. During his 25 year career he was awarded many commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross for combat missions flown over Viet Nam. He served as Commanding Officer of Navy Reconnaissance Squadron 11, Naval Air Station, Albany, Georgia. Dave completed his Bachelor degree at Embry Riddle University graduating Magna Cum Laud in 1971 and then attended the Navy’s Language School at Monterey, California, before his tour as Aviation Advisor to the West German Government at the Embassy in Bonn, Germany. He retired at the rank of Commander in 1978 from his final duty station serving as Chief of Staff at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, WA. After retiring from the Navy, Dave taught Naval Junior ROTC at Issaquah, WA High School for three years then joined in his wife’s growing Diet Center Franchise business, which they owned and operated in the Seattle area for 20 years. After retiring for the second time, he and his wife, Dixie, moved to Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona, in November of 2000. David is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dixie Sherrill Nothwang, son, Douglas, daughter, Dana and her life partner Ruben Maier, grandchildren, Jason and Kristy Nothwang and their mother, Mary Kay Nothwang. He loved cooking, golf, fishing and hunting and most recently, gardening. He could fix almost anything and he remembered everything he read. He was often called upon by friends to have the answers they sought. He was a loving husband, father and friend. He will be missed beyond words by his family and many friends. Graveside Services with Honors will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. To sign David’s online guest registry, please visit www.surprisefuneralcare.com