David L. Aldrich Sr.

David L. Aldrich Sr, 72, of Defiance, passed away on  March 27, 2020 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  
He was born on August 22, 1947 to Lester and Irene (Switzer) Aldrich in Grover Hill, Ohio.  

He was a member of the Defiance VFW and the AmVets.  He was a former employee of the Defiance G.M  Powertrain and G.W. Hunt Painting Company. 

He was also self-employed doing various jobs, and he enjoyed fishing, drinking beer, spending time with his family, and getting into trouble with his best friend Fred.  He was also known as "Painter Dave" and "Downy".  David was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the Infantry Unit Commander specialized in Jungle Warfare. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Cross of Gallantry with Palm Device, Vietnamese Civic Action Award with Palm Device, Bronze Star C.I.B. Medal for Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
 
David is survived by his son, David (Dawn) Aldrich, Jr. of Napoleon, Ohio, daughters, Julie Brown, Nikki Morris, Jackie Aldrich, and Veronica Stevens, all of Defiance. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and sisters, Linda Nierman of Marysville, Ohio, and  Pat (Dave) McMonigal of Continental, Ohio. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barb Parker.
  
Private graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, Ohio, with graveside military honors through the Defiance VFW Post #3360. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
  
Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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