David Dernier, 42

Capt. David Olen Dernier, 42, of the United States Air Force, formerly of Mountain Home, died Wednesday, April 13, 2005.

No service date was announced. Arrangements were with Schertz Funeral Home of Schertz, Texas.

Dernier was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, on Sept. 9, 1963.

He was stationed at Mountain Home AFB from July 1993 until May 1998.

"David was a devoted father and a faithful, admiring husband," his family said.

"David cherished every moment of time with his family, and took special delight with his annual "Father/Daughter" and "Father/Son" days as a time specifically set aside to show Gabrielle and David how uniquely special they were to him. David and his children shared a special love and skill for drumming and the percussive arts, calling out for pizza, the J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy, and the Good News of Jesus Christ," his family noted, adding, "David ardently loved his wife, Belinda, and daily told her he loved her, helped her achieve her dreams, and jumped at any chance to take her out on a date.

"David will be missed by all he impacted around the world in his chosen roles as Air Force mentor and passionate Christian.

He is survived by: his wife, Belinda, of 19 years; a daughter, Gabrielle, 15, and a son, David, 13; his father and step-mother, David and Linda Dernier of Campbellsville, Kent.; his mother, Jan Dernier of Rock Hill, S.C.; three sisters and their families, Denise (Mrs. William) Merritt of Prescott Valley, Ariz., Miki (Mrs. Daniel) Center of Concord, N.C., and Elizabeth Dernier of Lexington, Kent.; as well as in-laws Rex and Sheridan Beistle of Longmont, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of David Dernier to: Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child; P.O. Box 3000; Boone, N.C. 28607, or online at www. samaritanspurse.org.