David Rose

David H. Rose, 94, of Cumberland, IN, passed from our arms into God’s loving care, early in the morning October 28th, 2024. He was born August 13th, 1930, in Elkhart, Indiana to parents Herman and Valera (Myers) Rose. He often recalled fond boyhood memories from summers spent on his grandparent's farm in Carmel, IN, along with his brother, sister, and cousins. 

 David graduated from Shortridge High School, where he was active in the music program, playing cello and trombone. He also took private lessons in piano and voice. Driven and determined from an early age, David worked various jobs putting himself through Butler University and earning his pharmacy degree. One of those jobs that helped him through college included singing on national radio; He was an excellent musician and was part of a quartet that sang for Cadle Tabernacle (CT), a nondenominational evangelistic center in Indianapolis. The center seated over 10,000 and was at that time the largest church in the United States. The powerful radio broadcasting network carried the radio program to most of the Midwest and some southern states, with an emphasis on bringing the gospel into communities that were too small or poor to have a church of their own. It was during this time that David met Celest Polter, the quartet’s piano accompanist. A few years later she became the love of his life as they were married on November 3rd, 1957. 

David and Celest shared nearly 67 years together and lovingly raised their two children, Kevin and Beth. They stayed active in their community and church and taught their children by example. They are appreciated greatly for making a point of taking family vacations that included historical sites, especially those involving American history such as Gettysburg, Washington DC, Jamestown, and Williamsburg VA. 

 David was a pillar of quiet Christian faith; often giving words of spiritual encouragement to family and friends. He was a valued member of Cumberland First Baptist Church for many years. For a number of years he helped Gideons International. David was a broad-minded conversationalist and truly loved people. His faith was paramount to his life, and he loved to share God’s love with others. He often did acts of grace, quietly. 

 David had a long and fulfilling career as a pharmacist; However, around 1974, he changed directions and attended the Cleveland Clinic Podiatry school and planned on a second career as a podiatrist. He attended for a couple of years, receiving honors. Unfortunately, circumstances and hardships in his family’s health did not allow him to complete the program; He was a loving family man and always put the welfare of his family first. A few years later he completed an MBA at Ball State University. 

 David continued his career in pharmacy until his retirement. He loved connecting with people through his work as a local CVS pharmacist in Cumberland, IN. He was soft-hearted to helping families of his pharmacy clients in various ways. For years he regularly took one individual to the store or doctors’ appointments when a family member shared their struggle to find help. David was also generous to support a wide range of different charities. His generosity extended internationally. At one point he helped a nondenominational minister in India to educate his children; this included helping to put his son through medical school. 

 Throughout his life David stayed actively involved in music both in his church and community. He sang with the Indianapolis Maennerchor for around forty years, which was the oldest continuously existing male chorus in the United States. During the latter years of his life he also enjoyed singing with the Greenfield Community Choir. 

 David is survived by his wife Celest Rose; his daughter Beth (Neil) Rose-Trout; son-in-law Dan Von Pein; and his sister Faith Rose. 

He is preceded in death by his son Kevin Rose (2018), and his brother Philip Rose (2023). 

Visitation will be Saturday November 9th, from 1-3pm at Cumberland Baptist Church (116 S. Muessing St, Cumberland, Indiana, 46229) His funeral will begin at 3pm. He will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Monday, November 11th , at 11am. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Cumberland First Baptists Church Choir.  When making a donation, please be sure to write "David Rose" on the memo line, to ensure all contributions on David's behalf are accounted for.