David "Dave" Allen Imler

A United States Air Force pilot who became an active community leader when moving to the area in retirement, David "Dave" A. Imler, 74, of Coffeen, died at 11:55 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at Pana Community Hospital.  Cremation rites were accorded. A memorial gathering has been scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Stefan Munker, pastor of St. Paul's, officiating. The family suggests attire include colorful mismatched socks in his memory.

Mr. Imler was born on Oct. 2, 1945, in Fremont, OH, to Lyle A. and Genevieve (Fox) Imler. He graduated from Brophy College Preparatory School in Phoenix, Arizona, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and then served his country as an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam Era. He earned a Master of Information Management degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Before retirement, he worked as a project manager at Quilogy, based in St. Charles, MO.

He married Merle Douglas on Sept. 12, 2009, in St. Louis, MO, and the couple chose Coffeen as their new home. He quickly became an active and vibrant member of his new community as a member of Hillsboro Breakfast Sertoma, Imagine Hillsboro, as a volunteer at the Coffeen Library and a GED tutor. He served on the Hillsboro Area Hospital Board including a term as president, and was active in his church community, St. Paul's Lutheran in Hillsboro, where he served on the church council, including a term as president.

He enjoyed astronomy, mowing, and traveling, was always eager to broaden his mind and his circle of friends, and was a loving father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Merle; a daughter, Leslie Anne (husband Tom) Wobbe of St. Louis, MO, and a son, David Royal (wife Dana) Imler of St. Clair, MO; four grandchildren, Royal Wobbe, Ronin Wobbe, Ellie Imler and Elsa Imler; and a brother, Jon (wife Jean) Imler.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be given to the David A. Imler Youth Assessment Project; make checks payable to Hillsboro Area Hospital, with a designation for the David A. Imler Youth Assessment Project. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and memories may be posted on the funeral home website, basspattondeanfh.com.

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