April 4, 1937 – November 24, 2022
David E. Niley, 85, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully during the early hours of Thursday, November 24, 2022, at the EverHeart Hospice Care Center in Greenville.
He was born on April 4, 1937, to the late John Niley, Jr. and Dorothy (Warvel) Niley.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Karen (Gangwer) Niley, whom he married on March 24, 1956, and who passed away on February 11, 2016.
Dave is survived by his daughters, Deborah (Steve) Emerick of Dadeville, Alabama, Terri (Joe) Andrews of Whigham, Georgia, and Laura (Tony Causey) Davis of Bradford, Ohio; his 11 grandchildren, April Yagle, David (Tiffany Gore) Stutzman, Joseph (Rachael) Andrews, Joshua (April) Andrews, Justin (Emily) Andrews, Jarred (fiance, Madison McCann) Andrews, Tom (Rebecca Aldridge) Levering, Amanda (David) Gonzalez, Allison (Ricky Jones) Davis, Cody (Cassie Holsinger) Davis, and Anthony (fiance, Allyson) Causey; his 12 great grandchildren; his sibling, Joan (David) Cummings; his beloved dog, Jake; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Dave was a 1955 graduate of Greenville High School. After attending a community college in Dayton for a few years, Dave returned to Greenville to begin his career as an auto mechanic and owner of Niley’s Service. Throughout the years, Dave gained the trust of many in the community and was a well respected mechanic and towing/recovery operator.
Dave loved his community and was involved with just about everything. He was a member of the Greenville Masonic Lodge for over 60 years; the ancient accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, where he was a 32nd Degree Mason; the Antioch Shrine of Dayton and the Darke County Shrine Club, where he served as a past president. Dave was an active member of the Darke County Democratic Party, where he arranged monthly breakfast meetings for several years, he served on the Darke County Board of Elections, Greenville Transit Board, and the Greenville Zoning Board for over 20 years.
For the past 22 years, Dave served on the Board of Directors for the Darke County Agricultural Society, where he chaired many committees. Dave was most known for his involvement with the Safety committee and the annual fair demolition derby, which he chaired for his entire 22 year tenure. Dave will be inducted into the Ohio Fair’s Hall of Fame in January of 2023 for his contributions to the Darke County Fair.
Dave was a member of the Rolling 50’s Car Club, where he served as president and helped planned many car shows throughout the years. He and his wife Karen, were members of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Greenville, where he was a long-time trustee. Dave will forever be remembered for his contagious smile, ornery personality, and his notable character. Most of all, Dave was a friend to all and a stranger to no one.
A celebration of Dave’s life will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus.
Guests may visit with Dave’s family on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a Masonic Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 PM, and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
A private family burial will take place at Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Darke County Shrine Club, PO Box 623, Greenville, Ohio 45331. or the Rolling 50’s Car Club, PO Box 33, Ansonia, Ohio 45303.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.