Dr. David Hering Leffler

Dr. David Hering Leffler July 9, 1925 - October 6, 2024.

At age 99, Dr. David Hering Leffler has joined the Lord from the comfort of his home in the presence of loved ones. He was born in Massillon, Ohio to William W. Leffler and Grace Leffler (Hering). He was predeceased by both his parents, his twin brother Dr. Richard G. Leffler, sister-in-law Esther Jane Leffler, former wife Helen Rider Leffler, step daughter-in-law Yvonne White, and great-granddaughter Giuliana Garoutte. He is survived by his 5 children: Susan Fisher, David Jr. (Kimerly) Leffler, Nancy Leffler, Mary (James) Stockert, and Frederick Leffler. He is survived also by his special niece and nephews, Dr. William G. (Sarah) Leffler, Richard Jr. (Barb) Leffler, and Jane Mutigli. His marriage to Kathy Leffler in 1988 blessed him with 3 step-children: Christian White (Kim), Heidi (Darren) Boyle, and Benjamin (Sonya) White. David has raised up and left behind 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, many of whom have been blessed to hear his wisdom.

His legacy leaves behind many accomplishments across decades. He was a proud graduate of Massillon Washington High School class of 1943. A patriot always, he was a WW2 Veteran of Patton's Army from 1943-1945, serving in the 302 regiment of the 94th infantry division in the European theater. He served beside his twin brother, David in the mortar squad and Richard in the machine gun squad. After serving in the Army, David went on to Mount Union College for his undergraduate and then to dental school at Case Western Reserve. He graduated dental school with his twin brother in 1953 when they opened their dental practice together and worked shoulder-to-shoulder for many years. After 56 years of cracking jokes and stumping young patients with tough questions, David retired at the end of 2009. He also was one of the 12 founding families of Calvary Chapel, helping to establish its roots in 1964 and living long enough to watch it prosper. He was beloved by his church family, attending there until his final homecoming.

David had always felt blessed by God in his life. He had a mind that always sought the truth and a heart that displayed it. He spent most of life’s greatest accomplishments and funniest predicaments alongside his twin brother Richard, who he now rejoices beside. In 2002, David and Kathy became a part of the Hillsdale College Presidents Club, joining colleagues on many cruises around the world and opening a new chapter in his life. There he gained a new passion for deep thinking, politics, theology, and American values. He also gained new friendships with many members including Larry P. and Penny Arnn, and Victor Davis Hanson on their travels to Russia, Greece, Normandy, Panama Canal, Alaska, and many others. He used his talents along with his brother to design and construct the stained glass window that stands in the church today, a reminder of his hard-work and devotion. He spent countless hours between helping finish the church, while purchasing a house on Turkeyfoot Lake for the purpose of enjoying it with his family. David will be remembered for his faith, wisdom, humor, and vigor for life for many years to come by both loved ones and by his many descendants.

Services will be conducted by Pastor Josh Pizor on October 12, 2024 at Calvary Chapel in Massillon. Visitation hours are 10:00am-12:00pm and a service will be at 12:00pm with a military gun salute to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Calvary Chapel memorial fund at 8151 Stuhldreher ST NW, Massillon, Ohio or to Hillsdale College at 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale Michigan 49242.

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