David William Maupin

David William Maupin, known affectionately as Dave or “Papa,” passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones and hospice caregivers at the age of 87 on Monday October 27th, 2025. Born on the Fourth of July in Zanesville, Ohio, Dave’s life was marked by quiet strength, quick wit, and an unending curiosity about the world around him. He was known for his strong moral compass and sense of humor.

Dave earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and education from the University of Virginia. He was a talented athlete and excelled especially at track, basketball, and rowing. In school his race was the half-mile which is a fitting metaphor for a life defined by endurance, balance, pacing, and heart.

After serving proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he received the American Spirit Honor Medal at Parris Island in 1958, Dave went on to teach and mentor others, sharing his love of learning and his respect for craftsmanship in all forms.

A lifelong analytical thinker and builder, Dave could fix or create almost anything, from engines to architecture. He built a log home from a kit, felled and split his own trees, and kept his household warm with a wood stove. He had a passion for fine cars, especially Jaguars, and even imported one from England to restore and show with great success. As a self employed marital and family counselor he worked hard to help local families through a domestic violence prevention program. He also could surprise everyone at festive events with his expertise in ballroom dancing and he even taught dance as an Arthur Murray dance instructor. Near the end of his life, he established a daily routine of drinking a glass of Guinness beer, listening to his favorite music including Diana Krall, The Band, Elton John and the Four Freshmen and watching birds visit the bird feeders at a nearby window, a practice he called 'Beer and Birds.' Dave was soft-spoken, deeply kind, and known for his subtle humor and easy sarcasm. Animals adored him, and the feeling was mutual as he approached every creature, great or small, with empathy and affection.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Jane Myers Maupin, his children Jane Elizabeth Maupin Bynon and David Zacharia Maupin, his grandchildren George Creswell Bynon and Maya Elizabeth Maupin, and his brother Edward W. Maupin.

A remembrance gathering to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at a later date. Those who knew him will remember a true Renaissance Man characterized by curiosity, skill, humor, kindness and generosity.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com