Obituary for David Vernon Dyer

(Updated: 1:03pm 6-23-25)

David Vernon Dyer, aged 73, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Kenton, Ohio. He was born on August 23, 1951, in Kenton to the late D. Vernon and Norma J. (Wilcox) Dyer. On September 14, 1973, he married L. Susan Schotte, who survives in Kenton. He later married Donna J. Woltz on May 4, 2002, who also survives in Kenton.

Also surviving are six children: Cory (Mandy) Dyer, Shawn (Natasha) Dyer, Wesley (Amber) Woltz, Josh Woltz, Isaac (Kami) Woltz, and Faith (Tim) Spearman; 18 grandchildren; one sister, Julie Dyer; and one niece and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Jean (Jim) Bridenstine, and one nephew, Warren Bridenstine.

David was an avid animal lover with a host of dogs, cats, chickens and horses in his life. He had a vibrant sense of humor who could find the funny in anything and was not afraid to laugh at himself. He enjoyed music and entertained the family at many gatherings with his guitar. He also had a love of family heritage and enjoyed researching and collecting family stories.

He was a lifelong resident of Kenton and a 1969 graduate of Kenton Senior High School. He joined the United States Air Force after graduation where he served in the military police and Honor Guard at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

He retired as a Lieutenant with 43 years of service, from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, which he joined in 1973. During his tenure, he founded the Hardin County K-9 unit; co-founded the Hardin County Sheriff’s Mounted Deputies; and was a member of the Hardin County SWAT team. Later he was a bailiff for the Hardin County Common Pleas Court for many years. He was also a life member and Sergeant of the Hardin County Posse, a volunteer unit he joined in 2010, where he also worked the night patrol at the Hardin County Fairgrounds during fair week for ten years.

He studied law enforcement at Rhodes College in Lima. He was also a volunteer for the McGuffey Fire Department and a member of the local AmVets Post 1994 in Kenton. He was also a member of the Christ Our King Forever Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at St. John’s Evangelical Church 211 E. Carrol St. Kenton, Ohio 43326, with the Rev. Robin Ricks officiating. 

Burial will be at Grove Cemetery in Kenton following an escort from the Hardin County Posse.

Friends and family may visit 2 hours prior to services at the church.

The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hardin County Posse.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net