We, the family of David Lee Dutcher, are saddened to announce his passing at the age of 74. David, of Port Republic, Maryland, slipped peacefully into eternity at his home with his loving wife of 46 years, Pearle Dutcher, at his side.
David was born in Perry, Michigan on July 21, 1946 to parents Harvey and Geraldine (Edmonds) Dutcher. Born with the local church bells chiming in the background, David had a spirited and eventful childhood. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, as a paramedic during the Vietnam War. Honorably discharged from military service, David pursued his higher education degree at the University of Michigan, where he received a B.A. in Psychology. Throughout the course of his life, David continued advancing his education working toward a B.S. in Information Systems and a M.A. in Physiological Psychology. David worked as a government contractor (Computer Science Corporation) for over 30 years, primarily in the field of software configuration management. He also worked as a computer management technician, specialist, section manager, and CIS-A certified auditor. He conducted several missile-launch related audits for NOAA Satellite Operations before finally retiring in 2012. He was an avid learner and believed in advancing knowledge but was especially fond of studying each philosophical founder. His passions included: intellectual debates, space exploration and discoveries, air crafts, all forms of music (especially the blues), politics, religion, and racial equality. Most of all, he loved playing competitive games like a Rook card game or poker with his family.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Geraldine Dutcher, his brother, Harvey, and sister, Diantha, his father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Eva (Swain) Curry, and brother-in-law, Henry Arthur Curry, and sister-in-law, Lavern Buie.
David is survived by his wife and life-long best friend, Pearle, his older brother, Robert Dutcher of Gainesville, Florida; sisters, Nancy Dennis of Clarkston, Michigan, Arlene Henderson of Blythwood, South Carolina, and Jean Switzer of Lakeland, Florida; brother, Gerald (Kelly) Dutcher of Green Cove Springs, Florida. His sister-in-laws: Elsa Houston, Shirlean Tuck; Helen (Curtis) Calhoun, Debra Leggins; and brother-in-law Perez Curry. His granddaughter, Hannah Wilson. His niece Anna (husband, Jeremy, son Robert). Many more loved nephews and nieces, as well as numerous cherished extended family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on March 10, 2021 at the Gateway Restaurant and Lounge, Port Republic, Maryland, on Wednesday March 10, 2021 between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.