Dr. David Dietz Clymer, age 91, died peacefully in hospice care on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Although he wished to be back at home with his wife of 68 years, Betty, he was ready to move on to his heavenly home.
David, “Doc,” was born in Hancock County on September 1, 1934. He graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1952, then went on to pre-med studies at Ohio State University. While at Ohio State, he began dating Betty Irvin, the most beautiful girl on campus. He married her as soon as she graduated from college. There were two things that attracted him to her — a shared faith in Jesus through their EUB heritage and her love of music. Together they built a life of faith, music, and joy. David graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1959.
After his internship, residency, and service in the Army, David and Betty settled in Lexington. Doc served as the family physician in Lexington from 1963 until 1999. He loved practicing the whole range of medicine. He delivered babies, treated entire families, and made house calls. He served as the team physician for Lexington athletics for 39 years and received the Outstanding Team Physician Award for Ohio in 1988. Doc was the Medical Director at Lexington Court Care Center for 25 years.
During his years of medical service in Lexington, he was an active member of Lexington United Methodist Church of the Cross. He served as a Sunday School teacher, chair of many committees, and was a faithful member of the chancel and handbell choirs, which his wife directed.
In addition, David was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Lexington Kiwanis Club for 39 years. He served as a member of the Lexington Board of Education from 1996 until 2004. After retirement, Doc worked with Habitat for Humanity of Richland County.
What people remember most about Doc is his faithfulness. He loved helping others, whether it was a medical need, a spiritual need, or an emotional need. Throughout his life, David combined his faith and his love of medicine in service to others, including participating in medical mission trips. He visited church shut-ins for many years, even when he was older than most of those he was visiting. His sense of humor and willingness to play games was a joy to his wife, children, and grandchildren. David was an avid tennis player and loved to travel in the company of his wife and family.
David is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty, and his three children: Karen (Tom) Hartley, Steve (Kathy) Clymer, and Julia (Mike) Sager. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The Clymer family will receive guests on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 5 to 8 pm in the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11 am in the Lexington Church of the Cross. Friends are invited to greet the family the hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Lexington Church of the Cross.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve David’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com