David Ralph Templeton
David Ralph Templeton of Yuma, Ariz., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 at home. Dave was born April 12, 1944 to Clark Ellis and Grace Edna (Gilleland) Templeton in Red Oak. He served in the US Army from Feb. 1, 1967 to Jan. 31, 1969. He served in Long Gao, Vietnam as a machine gunner in the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, during the largest troop build-up from July 1967 to 1968. Upon return to Ft. Carson, Colo., he served as a track commander with the 5th Mechanized Infantry. He received the Army Commendation for Service Medal for meritorious service.
After military service, Dave worked toward a teaching career, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Industrial Education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., in 1970. In 1975, Dave received his Masters of Science majoring in Vocational Technical Education at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo. Dave taught Industrial Education at Red Oak Senior High School, Villisca Community High School, Iowa Lakes Community College at Emmetsburg and Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Mich. Dave worked as a Vocational Training Analyst for the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) where he helped design curriculum, hire teachers and determine training needs for the Saudis.
Following his work in education, Dave worked in manufacturing from 1983 through 1997 for D&L in Red Oak and Phenix City, Ala., as Plant Manager, and then Vice President for the Virsan Division of Virco Manufacturing in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. After manufacturing, Dave worked in career guidance and computer literacy training at Yuma Private Industry Council in Yuma from 1997 to 2004. He accepted the promotional responsibilities of Information Technology Manager at YPIC in 2004, where he worked until retirement in 2009.
After retirement, Dave enjoyed gardening, music, playing the guitar, his pets and family. Dave was a longtime member of VFW and American Legion and was an avid supporter of veteran relief causes.
Dave was preceded in death by his father Clark Templeton, his mother Grace Templeton, brothers Robert, Darwin, Lyle, Richard and sister Maureen.
Dave is survived by his wife Vicki and his three children: son Darin Templeton of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter LeAnn, husband Brian Schneider and four daughters, Alex, Aryka, Madison and Jade of Council Bluffs; son Dr. Jesse E Templeton and wife Jennifer of Parma Ohio; his stepson Nathan Brinda, wife Allyson and daughters Lena and Alylsa of Cheyenne, Wyo. He also leaves brother Kenneth of Renton, Wash.; brother Darrell and wife Janette of Auburn, Wash.; brother Ivan and wife Judy of Bellevue, Neb.; and sister Carole Rhodes and husband Daryl of Indio, Calif. In addition, Dave leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Graveside memorial services with military honors will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2015, at the Evergreen Cemetery with Pastor Terry McClain officiating.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.