David Lee Ruswinkle of Carmichael, California passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Dave had been battling kidney cancer complicated with septicemia.
He was born August 4, 1966 in Toledo, Ohio to Ray and Sharon (Panning) Ruswinkle.
He was a graduate of Maumee High School Class of 1984. In November he joined the United States Navy. During his naval career of 20 years, he was able to travel the world aboard some of the finest aircraft carriers, including the USS Saratoga, USS Nimitz, and the USS Carl Vinson. He especially enjoyed his travels surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. He was serving on the USS Saratoga during “Desert Storm.” One of the planes from his squadron was the first to bomb Iraq.
After he left the Navy he went to work for the State of California Board of Occupational Therapy and later for Medical Board of California in Sacramento. He worked for these departments for a total of 20 years.
Dave was a big sports fan. He played in Maumee Little League and Pony/Colt. Before going into the Navy he umpired Little League baseball games with his dad. He loved baseball, NASCAR, and football (especially college football – GO BLUE!). He was a Cleveland Indians, now Guardians and Cleveland Browns fan.
Surviving are his wife Sharon (Cook), daughters Sarah (Matthew) Smith of Deltona, FL, Katie of Carmichael, and stepson David of Carmichael, his parents Ray and Sharon, brothers Ken (Anne) of Avondale, AZ, Tim and Todd (Nicki) of Toledo; nieces Wendy Wilt of Detroit, MI, Maya and Leah; nephews Christian (Yanny), and Dominic; a great-niece Sydney Wilt and great-nephews Toby and Parker along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Carl and Garnet Ruswinkle, Karl and Dorothy Panning; nephew Daniel James Ruswinkle; four uncles and two aunts.
Graveside services will be held at Fair Oaks Cemetery in California on Monday, June 3 at 11:30.
Memorials in David’s name to either: The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.