David Dolph Day, age 79, passed to the next life as he joined his Lord and Savior on July 27, 2018 at St. Vincent's In-Patient Hospice, Indianapolis. David was born at home in Rensselaer to Leonard and Roxie (Allee) Day on June 30, 1939.

David is best remembered by his classmates for his athletic contributions. He loved the competition and credited his coaches and teachers for his successes. It was his mission to pass that encouragement on to his future students and athletes in Rensselaer.

Following graduation from Rensselaer High School in 1957, David studied at both Ball State Teacher College, and Indiana State College, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor Degree in Biology and Physical Education. While a student at Indiana State, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, played football and swam on the college swim team. He continued his education at Indiana State and earned his Master Degrees in Guidance and Counseling, and Public School Administration.

A lifelong resident, he dedicated his life to the children of Rensselaer, although his first year classroom was in Reynolds Schools. His contributions to youth included:

• Years of swimming instruction at Brookside Pool, beginning in 1957, enabled by the generosity of Tri Kappa sorority
• Development of the fledgling summer swim team which has become the dynamic Rensselaer Summer Swim Team
• Science teacher at RCSC
• Driver education instructor
• Coach of numerous sports
• Developer and director of the Noon Recreation Program at the middle school
• Middle school guidance counselor
• Athletic director for RCHS sports
• Assistant principal at RCHS
• Avid proponent of vocational education for RCHS
• RCHS high school principal for twelve years, retiring in 2000

During his twenty year tenure as athletic director and high school principal, there was rarely an event, academic, athletic or performing, that did not find David in attendance. One of his favorite activities was celebrating the birthday of each student with a card, a pen, and a Snickers bar. He thought every student should come to the principal's office at least once without fear of punishment, and to understand that his door was always open. His passion was his students.

His surviving family includes his wife of fifty-five years, Margaret A. (Marge) Day; son, Michael Patrick (Pat) O. Day; grandson, Daegan L. Day; nieces and nephews: Rick (Wendy) Odle, Harry (Cathy) Odle, Linda (John) Shank, Rhonda (Ken) Kelley, Greg (Jane) Bailey, Mark Bailey, Connie Bailey; sister-in-law: S. Diane ElShafey; nieces Morgan (Jack) Ellis, and Yesmeen ElShafey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Jean (Don) Bailey and Edna (Charles) Horton, nephew Brad Bailey, and his young son, David Craig Day.

Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT at Steinke Funeral Home in Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, also at Steinke Funeral Home, with Pastor Daniel Warren officiating. Burial will follow at the family plot in Weston Cemetery.

David D. Day was a humble man who would request nothing for himself. Contributions in support of Saint Augustine School, Rensselaer, or St. Vincent's In-Patient Hospice, Indianapolis, would be appropriate. Share memories and condolences at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.