Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel David (Dave) Edward Lovett was born August 5, 1940 in Niagara Falls, New York and died peacefully September 14, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.

He is survived by his daughter Becky Offringa (Hans), his sons Edward and David (Archana), his niece Sarah McElrath (Charlie), his grandchildren Liam, Luke, Ethan and Elliot, step-grandchildren Sietse and Melle; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins; his elder sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Rudy Petersen and his younger sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and John Dewey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mavis Lovett, and in January by Ginny, his beloved wife of nearly 57 years.

Dave graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1958. He enrolled at Syracuse University where he was an enthusiastic member of Acacia fraternity. Joining the ROTC in his first year, he applied for a regular Army commission in his junior year. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. On graduation day, Dave's father administered his oath to join the United States Army. Dave was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a Second Lieutenant with the Corps of Engineers (27th Engineer Battalion), completing airborne school at Fort Bragg in 1962. After language and culture training, he served as both Branch Material Advisor near Bến Tre, Mekong Delta, Vietnam and as Assistant District Advisor in Ba Tri from August 1964 to July 1965 (937th Engineer Combat Group). He returned as a Captain with a Purple Heart and the Air Medal. He then served at the Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia (538th Engineer Battalion). Dave met his wife Ginny at his sister Marilyn's wedding in 1966. It was love at first sight and they married in 1967. During their first year of marriage, he was stationed in Thailand as the Battalion Operations Officer building Route 23. Ginny joined him for the summer following their first anniversary. They returned to Virginia where he was a Battalion Commander and Brigade Operations Officer at the Engineer School. After completing the Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Dave was assigned as Post Engineer to the Army Depot in Charleston, South Carolina in 1971. Taking a civil engineer position at the Naval Weapons Station, Charleston in 1974, he was reassigned to the Army Reserves where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The family moved to St. Marys, Georgia in 1982 when Dave took the post of Chief Engineer at Kings Bay Submarine Base. In 1983 he became commander of the 356th Military Intelligence Company, 3rd Engineer Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Jacksonville, Florida; this role he fulfilled until 1987. His last parachute jump was in 1989; he officially retired from the Army in 1990. Dave was proud of the building and dredging projects he coordinated at Kings Bay, retiring from the civil service in 2003. Dave was an enthusiastic tenor, but often filled baritone and bass roles. He was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church choir and, with Ginny, a member of the Jacksonville Symphony chorus. He was a strong supporter of the Camden County Wildcats, rarely missing a home game when his three children were members of the marching band. Both his sons were active in the Boy Scouts of America, and Dave took on leadership roles including Assistant Scoutmaster (1998-2003) and Executive Board Member of the Coastal Georgia Council (2012-2016). A proud member of Clan Fraser, he and Ginny organized the Fraser tent at countless Highland Games along the East Coast over the decades. Dave had a fascination with military history and a nearly encyclopedic memory. For many years he was an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Kings Bay Chapter. Dave had a strong Christian faith. He loved his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, especially with Ginny. He was an accomplished carpenter, building beautiful furniture and assisting in countless family projects. Dave delighted in telling stories and was generous in using his resources to help others.

The family would like to thank Barbara Lundin, Joe and Elizabeth Perry, as well as the staff at Magnolia Manor, Reunion Rehabilitation and
Community Hospice for their care of Dave.

Memorial service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal on January 10, 2025 at 10:00 am.

Burial will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery on January 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that thoughtful donations be made to your church or favorite charity. Dave was a cheerful giver and believed one should support those in need.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.