ROCHELLE – David Raines Waltrip, 79, passed away on Friday, May 7 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on Oct. 19, 1941 in Chicago, the son of Glen and Ruth Raines Waltrip.

Dave proudly served in the U.S. Marines Corp where he was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant. He married Dawn D. Bozee on Oct. 1, 1966 in Arlington Heights. Dave and Dawn would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this October.  

He retired as terminal manager from Amoco Oil in 1999. Dave loved spending time with his family and traveling.  He loved road trips and exploring new places and new roads.  Dave was a huge NIU Huskie supporter and could always be found watching and cheering on the NIU Huskies.  

He enjoyed watching all sports and cheering for the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears and Rochelle Hubs.  Dave loved giving back and volunteering his time. Over the years he has coached baseball, football and basketball and served on league boards for many years in different capacities.  

He continued to volunteer for NIU Athletics along with the Hubs Athletic Booster Club and the Rochelle golf team.  Dave enjoyed serving his community through participating in the Needy Family Food and Toy Drive for many years and supporting the Rochelle Fire Department.   He also served on Rochelle City Council and other governmental boards.  

Dave was involved both with the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and Rochelle Rotary Club, both of which he served as president.  Dave loved to stay active and enjoyed golfing, socializing and being with friends and family.  He dearly loved his seven dogs he had over the years, especially his male shelties which helped bring balance to his all girl family.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glenn Gary Waltrip, and two sisters: Sallie Panzer and Carole Bergstrom.

Dave is survived by his wife, Dawn of Rochelle; 2 daughters: Denise Waltrip of Gilbert, AZ, and Darci Waltrip of Rochelle; sister Linda (Matt) Coach of Damiansville, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12 at Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Unger Horner Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Hamilton officiating.  

Burial will follow at the Lawnridge Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corp and the Eastern Lee Ogle Honor Guard. Services will be live streamed on the Unger Horner Facebook Page. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com