David Lewis Mehrle

David Lewis Mehrle

January 29, 1949 – January 12, 2024

Anaheim, California

David Lewis Mehrle, 74, passed away peacefully at Sorento Rosa Senior Living in Yorba Linda, California on January 12, 2024. Born on January 29, 1949 in Evanston, Illinois, David was the son of the late Brandon Mehrle (Assistant Dean of the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California) and Miriam Mehrle (English Teacher in the Downey Unified School District). He was married to Kathie Morris for 18 years. He was a hero, compassionate, ray of sunshine, hugger, kind, happy, gentle, warm, dedicated, courageous, selfless, musically talented, world traveler, and loving, sweetest husband, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and godfather.

Before moving to Southern California in 1958, he lived in Illinois, Iowa, and Montana. He attended Monte Vista High School in Whittier California, Class of 67.

He served in the United States Air Force during the late 60s and early 70s, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. While serving he traveled to different states and countries. He earned an AA degree in mathematics from El Camino College in Torrance, California, and a BS degree in computer science from California State University in Long Beach, California. David also attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in the 1970s and was in the band where he played clarinet. He enjoyed playing at home games, away games, venues, and the Rose Bowl. He worked at the United States District Court Central District of California, Los Angeles (largest court in the country) as a PC Administrator for 20 years where he retired in 2010.

David was a life-long musician. He played the clarinet and contrabass clarinet with the Symphonic Winds ensemble at Fullerton Community College for over 20 years, playing all over Southern California. David could listen to a composition and then play it without missing a note. His love and passion for music put a smile on his face when he spoke or sang about it to his family, friends and even strangers.

David was always interested in learning everything about the world and especially Southern California. He enjoyed trains and knew everything in detail about trains. David would train watch wherever he was, on trips, at conventions, and modeling events. He also enjoyed cats, outdoor activities, going to concerts, taking drives and day trips, and playing wahoo (a board game), and chicken foot (dominoes). He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed each day. David was an alumni committee member with Monte Vista High School, Class of 67.

David is preceded in death by his father, Brandon, and his mother, Miriam. He is survived by his wife, Kathie; his sister, Dana Emery; his niece, Julie Bauer; and his nephew, Kevin Emery.

A graveside service for David will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.

Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Old Spaghetti Factory Fullerton, 110 East Santa Fe Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832.

You are welcome to attend either or both days.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to https://giveto.usc.edu/ the “USC Thornton Scholarship Fund”, in memory of David Mehrle, or to USC Thornton School of Music, Office of Advancement, 840 W. 34th St., MUS 408, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1441.