Chief Petty Officer USN David M. Dranbauer died battling liver cancer on May 22, 2021 at his home in Gwynn Oak, MD. He was born May 2, 1942 in his family’s home in Baltimore to Vernon Langley, Sr. and Emmie Dranbauer.
David joined the US Navy on September 9, 1962 and served on active duty for 4 years and in the reserves for 24 years. During his military service, he worked aboard the USS Orion AS18, as well as various other vessels such as LSD’s, LPH’s, DD’s and DE’s serving as part of the Gator Navy, Blue Crew, and the Leading Quarter Master for the East Coast MIUW that traveled from Nova Scotia to Key West. He retired from the Navy as Chief Petty Officer. David also worked at Harrington Industrial Plastics for 36 years and retired as Warehouse Supervisor as well as working at Lowes in the plumbing department for 19 years.
David was a kind, gently, and forgiving man who would do anything for his wife and family. In his free time, he enjoyed innovation new ways to make average household items better, usually with the help of PVC pipe, two-liter soda bottles, and tape by using the right side of his brain, of a left-handed man. Everything needed a cup holder for his and Joyce’s soft drinks and he believed he could improve the manufacturing of almost anything.
David is survived by his wife, Joyce (Eleanor) Dranbauer who he married on June 6, 1964, and their two children, Donald Dranbauer and Deborah Council. David has 13 grandchildren who honored him with the name “Pa” as well as 17 great-grandchildren that he allowed to control what television network would be played.
David will forever be remember by his friends and family as an amazing father, a terrific grandfather, and most of all, a Chief.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc. 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD 21075 (Exit 6 South off Route 100) on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 3:00 – 5:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 10:30am. Interment in Meadowridge Memorial Park. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Gilchrist Hospice.