MARTIN CO – Martin County is mourning the loss of its former Sheriff David ” Dave” Qualkenbush who passed away on Monday March 1, 2021.
“Sheriff Qualkenbush will always be remembered with fondness of his servitude to the citizens of Martin County,” said Martin County Sheriff Travis Roush.
Flags were lowered at half staff to pay tribute to a man who served his county well.
David Grant Qualkenbush, 70, of Loogootee, passed away at 9:35 a.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born August 25, 1950, in French Lick, Indiana to the late Harry Grant “Fuzz” and Martha Patsy (Morgan) Qualkenbush.
Dave was a United States Navy veteran and served two tours in Vietnam on the USS Enterprise. He proudly served Martin County for 28 years, 12 of those years as the Sheriff of Martin County and 16 years as a Sheriff Deputy.
Dave also was the first K-9 Handler in Martin County.
He then was employed by NSWC Crane for 6 years as a police officer.
He was a lifetime member of the Indiana Sheriffs Association, White River Masonic Lodge and served as the Past Master of the Loogootee Masonic Lodge.
Dave loved to mow and go to the river. He was a skilled woodworker. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Vicki and spending time with his grandchildren.
Dave loved to play the guitar and a favorite of his was to play music at local nursing homes.
Dave is survived by his wife, Vicki (Padgett) Qualkenbush; children, David H. Qualkenbush of Shoals, Ame Qualkenbush and fiancé, Jeremy Schneider of Loogootee, Kasey (Chris) Becher of Ferdinand, Kelly (Corey) VanMeter of Loogootee and Emily (Tony) Ferraro of Tell City; grandchildren, Chasity Lee, David A. Qualkenbush, Madison Mann, Andrew Zins, Helen, Carter and Cecelia Becher, Hannah and Bailee VanMeter, Lathen Letterman, Ollie Wendholt, Charlotte Kollmeyer, Chase and Grace Ferraro; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Paula Mills of Bloomington, Marcy Holland of French Lick, Manya (Kevin) Carnes of French Lick, Odis (Debbie) Qualkenbush of Louisville and Regina (Glen) Handford of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; sister-in-law, Carol Singlestad of French Lick.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Vickey Lynn Qualkenbush; his parents, Harry “Fuzz” and Martha Qualkenbush; his brother, Dennis Qualkenbush.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 13, 2021, at the Martin County Community Building.
A graveside service will be held at South Martin Cemetery on June 26, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., weather permitting.
