David Nelson Rippeth

David Rippeth went to be with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ at 5:00 PM on November 18th, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer at Gulf Coast Hospital in Lee, County, Florida. Dave attended church at Grace Baptist Temple in North Fort Myers, Florida. He was born on November 23, 1947 (77) the eldest of six children to John L. Rippeth and Virgina (Ginny) E. Luster-Rippeth. Dave was the older brother to Cathy Rippeth Cox, Jill Rippeth Merriman, Timothy Rippeth, and Lisa Rippeth Hill (Kelly). Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Richard Merriman, his sister Beth Rippeth Litter, and his grandparents.

Dave is survived by his two children, Amy Rippeth Stafford (Brent Murray) and Eric Rippeth (Cindi). The three lights of his life were his grandchildren: Halle Rippeth, Lillianna Stafford, and Ezra Rippeth, who survive. Grandpa loved his grandchildren fiercely. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. Dave is also preceded and survived in death by friends from throughout his life and around the world.

Dave grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1965. In 1970, he started working for what would later become the CSX Corporation. He would go on to retire as a railmaster in March of 2000. After his retirement, he became a consultant with Loram Maintenance Service. Dave’s career allowed him to see the world, traveling to Canada, England, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. Dave was awarded many times for his outstanding leadership, service, and performance with CSX.

Dave enjoyed fishing and boating, especially when accompanied by family and friends. He spent the last decade of his life in the Tara Woods community in North Fort Myers, Florida, where he was affectionately known as Captain Dave. He unexpectedly found his best friend in his Yorkshire terrier, Henry. Dave enjoyed visitors to Florida and returning to his hometown of Chillicothe, OH. David enjoyed nothing more than to be surrounded by the people he loved, good food, and a drink.

His family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Gulf Coast Hospital in Lee County, Florida. Dave’s wish was to be cremated, handled by National Cremation & Burial Society in North Fort Myers, Florida. Any and all services will be private to the family only. In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family would like people to remember him by donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an endeavor Dave was proud to support.