GALION: There is no greater service to this country than the defense of its freedoms. And there is no higher religion than human service – to work for the common good of your community. Dave Dayne will be remembered for his service to his country, his community, and his deep love for his family.
Dave passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus. He was 81.
Born David Leslie Dayne February 11, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to parents Leslie F. and Frances Jean (Greski) Dayne, he was raised in Toledo. A graduate of Libbey High School, he served as a Civil Air Patrol Cadet as a Cadet Master Sergeant.
An honorably discharged veteran from the US Air Force, the US Army, and the Ohio Military Reserve, he was awarded the US Air Force and US Army Good Conduct medals. He was also awarded the US Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (twice), and the Air Medal for missions flown over Vietnam, while in the Air Force. He was awarded the Commendation Medal while serving in the OHMR, and retired with the rank of Colonel.
His Military Police training in the Army served him well – as he pursued a career with the City of Galion Police Department. As a police officer Lieutenant, he was assigned Watch Commander of a shift, supervising law enforcement in the city. He was Commander of the Special Investigation Unit supervising all felony criminal investigations in the city, and represented the Galion Police Department and Crawford County law enforcement as a member of the METRICH Drug Task Force in the position of Coordinator of Drug Investigations within the county. He was awarded the Police Department Leadership Tab, and received a letter of recognition from the Director of the FBI, William Sessions, for his activities during an Organized Crime Drug Task Force of undercover investigation. He was a member of Galion Lodge #71 Fraternal Order of Police – twice serving as president.
Dave attended Liberty University studying Business. This served him well when he served on Galion City Council chairing the Finance Committee.
He was recruited for the position of President and CEO of Galion Area Chamber of Commerce (1997-2002), and he formed a statewide Coalition whose purpose was to see US 30 built across the state. He oversaw the eastern Crawford County portion of the highway opened in August 2005…completing the roadway in the county.
Dave had been a member of the Galion Airport Commission and had served as airport manager.
A member of Galion Rotary Club (twice past president), Dave also served as Rotary District Governor, Rotary Int’l District 6600.
A past president of the Crawford County Regional Planning Commission, he was a member of VFW Post # 4329, American Legion Post #243 and was a life member of State Guard Association of United States. Dave was a member of Crossroads Church, and was a life member of the NRA – he even self-published a book in support of the Second Amendment.
He is survived by his wife Carol (Ashcroft) Dayne, whom he married July 13, 1968; a son Mike Dayne of Galion; grandchildren Christian Dayne and Taylor Dayne; brother Fred (Jane) Dayne of Crestline and their children Lisa Dayne (Richard Sullivan) and Jason Dayne, and brother Dennis (Maggie) Dayne of Glendora, CA and their children Geoffrey (Nancy) Dayne and Jill Dayne; along with great nieces Josie Dayne and Ella Dayne.
The Dayne family will receive guests Monday, April 15, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel, 218 South Market Street, Galion. Where his funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org) may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dayne family. Share a message of support with them – read a full biographical announcement – and watch David’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Richardson Davis Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com