Don David Romary

Fort Wayne native, Don David Romary (David Romary), 90, peacefully passed away April 4, 2024, at home with his family. David was born August 23, 1933, to the late Donald F. and Mary Lou (Forbing) Romary. He graduated from Central High School in 1951 and married Joan Carleen McInteer on March 7, 1953. David started in the line department for Indiana and Michigan Power Company (I&M), then he moved to the sales and marketing department where he dedicated most of his tenure to expand electrical service in Decatur and surrounding areas. After 43 years of utility service, he retired in 1994. His early interest was singing. As a child, he sang in the Cathedral Boy Choir, which led to singing at various weddings, funerals, school activities, and other events. David became a cantor at St. Therese Catholic Church for several decades. From a young age, David always had at least one job, starting with a paper route, even selling salve to his customers. By age 12, he saved enough money to buy his first horse, which began his lifelong passion for riding. David broke and trained his own horses, earning the esteem of many professional cutting horse trainers. He competed in cutting horse shows affiliated with the National Cutting Horse Association. Dave was quick to help others, give advice, and make a witty comment. David owned and cared for his own horses until he was 84. Seldom was he without his horse, cowboy hat, western boots, and Wranglers. Living without his endless horse stories, his DIY solutions to nearly everything, and his genuine personality will leave us feeling vacant. However, we know that this was his final chance to “cowboy-up” and he was ready to ride into his final sunset. He is survived by his sons, Richard (Holly) of Churubusco, Joseph (Susan) of Fort Wayne, Philip (Oneida) of Fort Wayne; daughters, Rebecca (Tim) Pape of Fort Wayne, Lizette Downey of Fort Wayne; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and Phyllis Parisot, his companion for the past seven years. David was also preceded in death by his cherished wife of 58 years, Joan (McInteer); son, Kenneth; and sister, Jane Ann Christman. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 1105 Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road. Burial to follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Matthew 25 or Humane Fort Wayne.

For an additional insight on David's life, please visit:

https://todayscatholic.org/still-living-a-dream-in-retirement/?fbclid=IwAR1vQxoGjY9CATbGWylAOfXwZNBDzO2F2N29awHjkjF-JY88Mz1apeGe8HA