David J. Lauthers

David J. Lauthers, 69, entered the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

He was born on March 17, 1957, to Carol A. (Haas) Lauthers Long and the late Warren D. Lauthers. Growing up in the North Robinson area, David shared many adventures—and more than a little mischief—with his brother and sister, Mark and Mary Lou. David graduated from Col. Crawford High School in 1975. A dedicated athlete, he competed in swimming, cross country, and track, earning twelve athletic letters and a lifetime pass in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments.

After graduation, David began his banking career as a teller at Crawford County National Bank in Crestline. He remained with the organization throughout his entire 47-year career, advancing through the ranks and eventually becoming Vice President when the bank was known as United Bank. He later served as Operations Manager at Park National Bank before retiring in December 2022. David met Cheryle Neff in the fall of 1976 and the two fell in love. They were married on April 21, 1979.

Dave will be remembered as a man who was devoted, dependable, and influential along with countless more adjectives that made him the type of husband, father, son, coworker, and friend people loved to know and spend their time around. As a dedicated family man, Dave loved his wife first and foremost and poured all the time he could spare into his children whether playing ball in the backyard, attending sporting events and concerts, and giving vacation awards that made every trip more memorable. He was an avid reader who loved reading for himself as well as sharing books with his children and grandchildren. He taught them how to be frugal without being greedy and often had a funny story to share or live out along the way. “Football lunch” was shared every Sunday during the fall as his devotion was tested as a Browns fan and he followed Cleveland baseball as well. Sunday visits with his mom were also special. His impact on the community was felt in his work and his volunteerism. He was the only person to have been a member of all three Crawford County Kiwanis Clubs (Crestline, Galion, and Bucyrus) and he also served on the boards of the Bucyrus Salvation Army and Together We Hurt Together We Heal.

A man of faith, his commitment and walk with Christ grew each day of his life as he carried himself as a man of integrity. He was an active member of Bucyrus Nazarene Church where he served on the board, sang in the choir, chaired the capital campaign for the sanctuary addition, and had memorable roles in the Passion Play and as Coal Car Charlie in the Christmas program. He went on short term mission trips to Honduras, Senegal, and Arizona.

David is survived by his bride of 47 years, Cheryle Lauthers; children, Jason (Vanessa) Lauthers and Julie (Craig) Stahl; grandchildren, Tanner, Zander, Knox, and Remi; mother, Carol Long; brother, Mark (Tammy) Lauthers; brother-in-law, Ed Wilson; sister-in-law and her husband, Sharon and Rob Donoho; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his father, Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Wilson and stepfather, Rich Long.

The Lauthers family will receive friends on Sunday, September 20 from 1:00-5:00 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Dave’s funeral will be held on Monday at 11:00 am at Bucyrus Nazarene Church with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Bucyrus Nazarene Church, Bucyrus Kiwanis Club, or Bible League International and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared in the guestbook of Dave’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.