David L. Wyse

May 8, 1932 – January 1, 2021

David L. Wyse age 88, of Tuscola, Texas, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021, at Hendrick Medical Center South, Abilene, Texas (not due to Covid).

 

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Abilene. His place of rest is the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, TX, at Fort Phantom Lake. Memorial service will be held at a future date.

 

David Lloyd Wyse was born on May 8, 1932, in Managua, Nicaragua, to the late Lloyd Emerson Wyse of Wauseon, OH, and Marion Parker Wyse of Lowell, MA. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judith M. Wyse of Tuscola, Texas. He is also survived by his sons Wynn L. Wyse and his wife Jennifer of Lumberton, Texas, Erik L. Wyse and his wife Deanna of Sunnyvale, Texas; 4 siblings, Philip E. Wyse of Grand Junction, CO, Pastor Arthur B. Wyse and wife Milly of Reading, PA, Marion W. Metz and husband Tom of Chanhassen, MN, and Paul J. Wyse and wife Alison of Edina, MN; 4 grandchildren, Siena L. Wyse, David J. Wyse, Grady L. Wyse, and Elaine L. Wyse; and many nieces and nephews plus.

 

David and his siblings grew up in Managua, Nicaragua, where his parents were American Baptist missionaries leading the Colegio Bautista de Managua. They returned to Ohio and Massachusetts periodically by road trip to visit family. He graduated from Colegio Bautista de Managua High School in 1952. He then attended Denison University of Granville, OH, where he was a standout on the soccer team graduating in 1956 with his ROTC Commission and degree in Geology.

 

Shortly after he entered the United States Air Force as a 2LT pilot going on to fly millions of miles around the globe on countless missions serving through the Cold War and Vietnam. David earned his MBA from Central Michigan University in 1978. Colonel Wyse and family were stationed around the world during his military career with his post Vietnam assignments of The Army War College 1976-77, Joint Chiefs of Staff – Pentagon 1977-1979, Dyess Air Force Base 1979-1982 serving as the Base Commander, Vice Wing Commander and Wing Commander 96th Bomb Wing. Completing his military career at Offut AFB, Joint Strategic Target Planning Group 1982-1983, retiring in 1983. David served his entire career in the Strategic Air Command flying B-47 and B-52 aircraft and enjoying leading and working with countless fellow Officers, Airmen and members of the other Armed Forces of the U.S. and foreign allies.

 

David and family returned to Abilene for his post Air Force career starting with Western Marketing and then to AutoGas, Inc., serving as production manager for nearly two decades. Upon retiring in 2003, he and Judy relocated from Abilene to mesa view life overlooking the Buffalo Gap valley and flight path to Dyess.

 

David enjoyed a life well lived and was always looking to the future. He gave back to his community through service and support to others that served as well. He loved his family and cherished the time he had with each of them, especially his wife Judy. David believed in making the world better in some way every day as should we. We love and miss him and hope to honor him in all we do.