David Wayne Vogel

David Wayne Vogel passed away on December 5, 2025 in Largo, Florida at HCA Largo Hospital. 

He was born October 24, 1951 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Daniel Vogel and Dorothy (Gill) Williams. Dave was an avid reader, could fix anything, had the answer to any question his family had, and always had a Dad Joke ready to share.  He enjoyed living on the water and spending time on his pontoon boat, ”The Dorothy”.  His love of the water and boating was evident to all who knew and loved him. He loved tinkering with various projects and tying navy knots no one else could undo.  Dave loved his family endlessly, especially his wife of 43 years, Cathy.  He was the most kind, patient, generous, and caring man anyone met. 

Dave was a Veteran of the United States Navy and was on the USS Caloosahatchee. While in the Navy, Dave was recognized for many things, The most memorable being recognition for his actions to ensure a successful recovery when the utility boat that he was on ran out of fuel and drifted out to sea for 42 hours during extremely adverse weather conditions.  Dave’s resourcefulness to use a piece of plexiglass he removed from the utility boat is what caught the attention of a rescue helicopter resulting in the successful recovery of all crew members and the boat.

Dave was a proud member of the American Legion post 273, in Madeira Beach, Florida. He also became an Elks Member at Lodge 2519, Seminole, Florida where he enjoyed spending time with friends and playing trivia. He spent many years as a member of Lynhurst Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana where he served as a Board Member. In addition, he volunteered many hours at the Lynhurst Baptist Church Community Center.

He is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Vogel; mother, Dorothy Williams; step-father John Williams, and brother Steve Vogel.  He is survived by his wife Cathy (Evans) Vogel, and his daughters: Christy (Matthew) Overton and Jessica (Benjamin) Grist, along with three grandchildren: Edith and Claire Overton, and Charles Grist. He is survived by his siblings: Cathy Shimer, Robyn Welcher, James “Jim” Vogel, Dennis Vogel, Shannon Cook, and Jeffrey “Jeff” Williams along with his step-mother Deloris Vogel, and many nieces and nephews.  He was a loving father and grandfather.  

Services for Dave will be held at Lynhurst Baptist Church, 1250 South Lynhurst Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46241 on December 20, 2025.  Visitation will be held from 3-4pm with a memorial service beginning at 4pm.  David will be interned at Bay Pines National Cemetery, in Bay Pines, Florida with military honors at a later date. 

Flowers or mementos can be sent to Lynhurst Baptist Church. Any monetary donations can be made in his honor to the American Legion post 273 by sending a check to 600 American Legion Dr. Madeira Beach, FL 33708 in the memo donation in memory of David Vogel.