David Darrel Painter, born October 29, 1941, in St Louis, MO to Ralph and Margaret Painter passed away January 8, 2018, at Tampa General Hospital surrounded by his family.
Survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Ann Painter, son David Matthew Painter of Houston, TX, daughter Susanne Beth Paton and husband Major Daniel Paton of Plant City, FL, grandsons Brandon(Brittany) Paton of Zephyrhills, FL, Blake Paton, Lexington, SC and Hunter Paton, Plant City, FL.
David was a lifetime educator, graduating from Eastern Illinois University in Mathematics and earned his MEd at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He began his teaching career in 1964 at Prather Junior High in Granite City, IL. He became principal at Granite City High School in Granite City, IL from 1988-1998. In 1999, he was the interim principal at Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Edwardsville, IL before moving to SC to become an assistant principal at Irmo High School in Irmo, SC from 2001- 2004.
God’s word and the church was the core of David’s life from its earliest beginnings at Concordia Lutheran Church in Granite City where he became church treasurer, elder and usher. Being a part of establishing Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, IL in 1977 was by far one of his greatest accomplishments. His move to SC began a new church family and focus. He arrived at Mt Olive Lutheran Church in Irmo, SC just in time to help develop the Mt Olive Lutheran Preschool in 2007 and serve as board chairman for almost 10 years.
David loved all sports, especially his St. Louis Cardinal Baseball team. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Patti, especially their trip to Spain and their northeastern Lobster adventure. But, on any given sunny day, you need only look to the nearest golf course to see his smiling face and happiness. David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, but he was also a great mentor and friend to anyone in need. From his sponsorship and development of Lutheran Preschools to Metro East Lutheran High School, his devoted stewardship to the church and faith was second to none. David was, above all, a family man and community patriarch.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mt Olive Lutheran Preschool.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00PM this Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Mt Olive Lutheran Church, 1541 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC. The service will be followed by fellowship and a Luncheon for everyone.
Brandon Paton added a new photo — with David Painter and Patti Painter.
Yesterday at 3:55pm · Instagram ·
Last night I lost one of the biggest inspirations in my life. My grandfather. He was one of the best men I have ever met. He has always looked out for me and had best interests in mind. He taught me so much in my life, especially about sports. He took me to my first and favorite Cardinals games growing up. He hardly ever missed a game when I was playing, even while living in SC when I was playing HS basketball in Florida. And he is the reason I even grew to love playing the sport of basketball. He helped me with my college success. He was always there for me, anytime I needed him. I loved all of our conversations, usually on my drive home from work. I loved all of your endless encouragement. And hopefully, one day I can become just a portion of the man you were. God and heaven just got a good one. I know you will be with me and watching over me as I continue through life. I’m glad you are finally at peace. I love you. RIP Grandpa ❤️
You will truly be missed, young man. I’m definitely sure the golf course will never be the same without you asking me if I need to send my wife to hit for me, or asking me just how many putts I need to finally get the ball in the hole. But, I will continue to ask your advice and guidance for the rest of my life, because you are one of the wisest and most patient men I have ever known. Having you as my father for these last 27+ years has been one of the greatest honors of my life and as I told you, I promise I will take up where you left off and I only hope I can do half as good a job as you did, sir. I love you, dad.
Our entire family mourns the loss of Dave and is sending prayers to all of you. He really was a gentle soul. Nick sends his regards from Al Asad, Iraq. Dave was always so patient and kind with our boys when they were growing up.
We hope you find peace that he is at home with his savior and not enduring any more medical issues.
Our condolences.
Dear Patti and family,
We are grateful for the time and devotion Dave gave to Metro East Lutheran High School and Trinity Lutheran School. God’s peace be upon all of you.
Jim and Celeste Erb
Mr. Painter was such an inspiration to all. He was a great teacher and I loved his class. At the end of the school year he took us all out to play soft ball in the Prather school field. He was running a base and slide into me and tore his ear it was pretty bad. While waiting for help I had him lay his head in my lap so I could stop the bleeding. The whole time he was apologizing, he always thought of others. You will be sadly missed.
So sorry to hear of his passing. I remember babysitting his kids when the family was living in Granite City very nice family very sorry for the loss prayers to all the family
I first met Dave in kindergarten yes we were lifelong friends growing up in the small town of Venice Illinois as kids we played a lot of Indian ball basketball and in the winter time ping pong and a special baseball game called cv apba this occupied us and kept us always are almost always out of trouble As We Grew Older we discovered the game of golf and I can still hear in my head what he would say to me every time I missed us short putt he would say oh Jim. That’s all he would say but every time I got over the next putt I would hear it in my mind before I even stroked the ball I think he loved to play those little head Games too. He was an excellent School administrator and I enjoyed working with him when he moved to South Carolina. I will miss him and his dry sense of humor and his love of life.
Sir, you were my high school principal. You’ll be missed. God bless & keep your family in His arms at this time.
Mr. Painter was the best teacher I ever had! He would tutor a classroom full of students after school. He made Algebra and Geometry interesting.
So very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the David Painter family. Until I was 14 years old I lived across the street from David and his family on Jefferson Avenue in Venice. I can remember many wonderful days when David and I and the other children on our block played games together. David was always a gentleman even as a youngster. In his adult life he certainly showed his leadership, civic responsibility, and his love for God. This world is a better place because of David.
Please accept my sympathy in the passing of Mr. Painter. He was my teacher at Prather. What a kind and gentle man. May he Rest In Peace🙏
Mr Painter was one of my favorite math teachers at Prather… I remember on day we had to find this certain stock.. I found it with only a couple others. I will never forget that day as he told me what a good job it was.. I have thought of it often … my condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and friends
My condolences are almost identical to that of Jim Jeffries posted earlier. Dave and I became friends in school and in church in Venice and GC Concordia Lutheran. I have still got a photo of Dave and I at VHS graduation taken in May, 1959 together. After high school we lost contact, which I have always regretted. In that small circle of pals there was Dave Weber, Terry Salem, Jim Jeffries, Clarence Hand and me. For the last fifty years the only time I had with Dave was at our Class of 1959 reunions. Its a sad day to get the message telling me the library had closed and the opportunities are gone. However, its wonderful to understand that Dave is in Heaven now and with the Good Lord and we will meet again, one fine day. Dave accomplished so much with his life and reading the comments it is obvious. When I think of Dave the best thought I have is we were buddies back in the day.
Mr. Painter was one of my most memorable teachers in High School. He genuinely cared about his students and their schooling. He has left a lifelong impression on me and for that I am grateful. My condolences to his family.
Mr. Painter was my favorite math teacher at Prather Jr high. I had the utmost respect for him. May he rest in peace. My condolences to the family.
Patti.David and Susie,
Our family sends you love and prayers at your loss. We’re sad that such a great friend is gone from our world. We have such wonderful memories of our early years together! God bless!
I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers go out to your family! Mr Painter was a awesome teacher one of my favorites!
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a great boss and better friend. He helped me tremendously transforming fro Athletic Director to principal. We will keep you in our prayers through the tough times ahead.😢
Greg and Janis Patton
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the Painter family. He was a wonderful man! I look back at the time i was in HS and thought he was strict….now as a grandmother raising 3 grandchildren i can clearly see just how much he gave of himself mentoring and leading kids in a positive direction. The world needs more strong Christian men, and women, who live in His service as Mr. Painter did. With fondest regards,
Karen Heaton
Mrs. Painter,
Our hearts are with you and your sweet family during this time. We really appreciate your loving kindness towards our family over the years. Mr. Painter was a blessing to Brian when he became an administrator at Irmo High School. To live is Christ and to die is gain. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Be encouraged!
Blessings,
Brian and Jacquetta Chatman
Me. Painter was my principal at GCHS. He was such a caring man. He was very devoted to the schooling as well as the well being of his students. I have fund memories of him there. I am ever thankful for him being there. He always seemed to lift you up in times of need. My deepest sympathies to you. I know you will definitely miss him. Praying for peace and comfort in your times of need.
Venice Illinois was one of those special places where you knew just about everyone and their family.
There is a sense of Pride when a kid we knew accomplished what David did in his lifetime.
We were saddened to hear of his passing and he has been in the thoughts of of many. Our thoughts and prayers have also been with his family and friends.
David’s name will be placed on our VeniceMemories.org Memorial List along with his parents.
With Heartfelt Sympathy
My sympathy to all of you… You don’t know me, but I had Mr. Painter as a teacher when I was in school. I don’t remember a lot of my teachers from school as I am 55 y/o now, but the few I do remember, I remember for a reason. He was a great teacher and a nice person. I just wanted to share this with his family to let you all know that he is remembered even through the years! God Bless you all!
He was a very sweet person who I had as a principal at Grigsby and North High School
Love you Uncle David