Dave Muench

David Larence Muench, 80, of Tallahassee, passed away on December 31, 2019. Born to the late George and Bertha Muench on August 4, 1939 in Passaic, New Jersey, his family soon moved down to Miami, Florida where he spent his childhood and graduated high school.

David moved to Tallahassee where he attended Florida State University. He graduated from FSU in 1961. While there he was a member of the Air Force ROTC. Following graduation from FSU, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. He served 20 years before retiring. His primary responsibility was as a navigator in C-130’s. He was awarded numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. While in the Air Force, he was stationed throughout the world and served as the navigator for one of the Bob Hope Christmas Tours to Vietnam. In his final assignment, he bought a house on Okaloosa Island in 1976.

David met his wife Mary while attending a retreat in Ridgecrest, NC in September of 1985. They were married on May 24. 1986 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. He was later ordained as a deacon by Immanuel Baptist Church and seen in that capacity and other while he, Mary, Arthur, and David lived in Tallahassee. After the boys graduated from high school, Dave and Mary moved to the house on Okaloosa Island and lived there until recently. In Ft. Walton Beach, he and Mary were members of Wright Baptist Church until they moved to First Baptist Church of Ft. Walton Beach where they have been active members.

Some of his favorite activities, besides those in the Air Force, were attending FSU football games, watching FSU football and basketball games on TV, riding his bicycle, swimming, attending activities Arthur and David were involved in, and later activities his grandsons Tyner and Trent were involved in. He was always a willing volunteer for activities at his current church. He especially enjoyed the RA program activities his sons and grandsons participated in. He was an avid reader – ending his evening with reading his Bible.

David is preceded in death by his parents, George and Bertha Muench; brother, George Muench; sister, Carolyn Hollingsworth; nephew, Mark Hollingsworth; and niece, Catherine Muench.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Dollinger-Cheek Muench; sons, Arthur (Michelle) Cheek and David Cheek; grandsons, Tyner and Trent Cheek; brother, Larry Muench (Pat); four nephews and two cousins. He also maintained contact with his childhood and lifetime friend, Kenny Cox.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Sims Veterans Nursing Home, Panama City, Florida, for the outstanding, loving care they provided Dave while he was a resident there.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Ft. Walton Beach on Saturday, January 4 at 1:00 pm. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 6 at 11am at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, with his burial to follow at 12 pm at Tallahassee National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to first Baptist Church of Ft. Walton Beach RA Program or Immanuel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida RA Program.