David Lee Gumbel, 76, of Olney, went to be with God on February 8, 2015 at his home with his wife and children at his side.

David was born January 6, 1939 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Howard and Maude (Runyon) Gumbel of Olney.  He married Shirley Harrison on November 13, 1966. During their 48 years of marriage they were blessed with two children, a son, Jeffrey Gumbel, and a daughter, Leann Gumbel.  He was a dedicated husband, father and friend.

After graduating from East Richland High School in 1957, Dave opened his upholstery shop (Dave's Trim Shop), which he operated for over 52 years.  He taught himself upholstery techniques, producing beautiful custom work over the years.  He loved his work and said it was almost like a hobby instead of a job.  His first job took him all day and all night to install the seat covers in a 2-door 1950 Chevrolet.  He also installed air conditioners in cars for around 10 years.

He was a craftsman with many skills from woodworking, electrical, mechanical and could build or fix about anything.  He served his country for 2 years in the U.S. Army.

He liked to tell stories about "the good old days."  He had a wonderful sense of humor and wit and he always wore a smile.

Dave was a devout Christian.  He served as church superintendent, board member, Sunday school teacher and represented Ebenezer at church conferences for many years. He was a lifelong member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church and thought of the congregation as his family.

Dave is survived by his wife, Shirley Gumbel of Olney; son, Jeffrey Gumbel; daughter, Leann Gumbel of Olney; sister, Nancy (Zane) Courter; sister-in-law, Barbara (Melvin) Stanley; aunts, Dorothy Long, Mary McDaniel, and Doris (Charlie) Weaver; nieces, Stephanie (Frank) Perry, Stephanie (Victor) Rios, and Angel Pheonix; nephew, Rick (Colene) Stanley; and their families; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Maude Gumbel, and several aunts and uncles.  Dave will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home with burial in Ebenezer Cemetery south of Olney.

Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Olney obituary and photo - posted 2-9-2015