David C. Thummel was born Jan. 13, 1945, in Colby, Kansas, to Bill and Agatha Thummel. He graduated from W.F. West High School in Chehalis, Washington, in 1963. Dave played football, basketball and baseball throughout his high school career. He attended Washington State University and was elected the freshman class president. Dave also served in the Air Force Reserve from 1965–1971.
On April 22, 1967, Dave married Sally Zaikowski of Centralia, Washington, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.
He worked for Lewis County PUD as an electrical engineer, starting in 1967 and retired in July 2010.
Dave played slow-pitch baseball in the early years of marriage. Once his boys started playing, he helped coach Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He started golfing as a college student and avidly golfed until his health stopped him from playing.
Dave had a very strong sense of ethics and was loyal to all those he called friend. His sons and grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was so proud of all of them.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Thummel; sons, Jeff and Dana Thummel and their sons Evan, Lucas and Max of Centralia, Mark and Rachele Thummel and their children, Zach, Sadie and Kelsey of Clarkston, Washington; and his brother, Dan and Sandy Thummel of Centralia, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Agatha Thummel of Chehalis, Washington; sister, Eileen Kruse of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and brother, Jim Thummel of Pullman, Washington.
A celebration of life will be held on August 16 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gibson House Event Center 221 N. Tower Centralia Washington.
