David Read

David Edward Read, age 95 of Warsaw, passed away quietly at home on April 18, 2020. He was previously a longtime resident of Milwaukee, making his home in Kosciusko County since 2008.

Born at home on the family farm in Spirit Lake, Iowa, David was the son of Wm. Martin and Inez (Long) Read. He was the one of five children who all learned the value of hard work at an early age. In December 1943, David enlisted in the US Navy, having deferred twice to finish school.

David was originally assigned to service with a gunnery crew as he volunteered to load ammunition though he went on to Diesel School and Landing Ship and Tank school early on and was assigned to LST 813, a crew and tank transport ship on which served throughout the remainder of his honorable service. David and LST 813 were actively involved in the campaign for Okinawa including the invasion of the Kerama Retto Islands and several campaigns across southeast Asia, the Phillipines and Saipan.

Through the GI Bill, David obtained an education in Engineering, graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1949. Professionally, he spent his early career with Vincent Refrigeration and Heating Supply and spend more than thirty years operating Read’s GNLD NeoLife Health and Wellness with his wife. He was a member of American Legion Post #49, Warsaw, the Landing Ship Tank Association and a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, often attending at the Connection campus.

Survivors include his wife of more than forty years, Mary (Rowe) Read; son, Martin (Louise) Read, daughters: Polly (Steve) Gerber and Mary (Daniel) Wichman; daughter-in-law, Silvia Read; 8 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Nieman; and sister-in-law, Lola Read; and step-son, David Long. He was preceded in passing by a son, Thomas Read; sister, Phyllis Haden; brothers: Richard Read and James Read; stepdaughters, Judy Fuller and Sue Grable; stepson, James Long; his first wife, Betty Albro and his parents.

Friends may join the family for a Life Celebration® on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Connections Campus, 1692 West Lake Street, Warsaw. The service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Burial with military honors will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, a time of fellowship will follow the burial at the church. Titus Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Written condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com while memorial gifts may be directed to First United Methodist Church, Connection Campus, or to a Christian mission of the donor’s choosing