Dave Carey was born December 9, 1943. He moved to Kosciusko County from South Whitley, Indiana when he was 12-years-old. By the time he graduated from North Webster High School, Dave had learned the masonry trade from his father. Dave married Beverly in 1962, the summer after graduating from high school. They had three children: two daughters, Debra Lee Carey and Bethany Ann (Carey) Maish; and a son, Jeffrey David Carey. They raised their children in the Wawasee School District where Dave served on the school board for 14 years.
Dave owned and operated Carey Excavating in North Webster/Leesburg for 40 years. For the last 20 years of his life, Dave served as the owner of Carey Realty.
Dave was engaged in the community, including service on the Elder Board and the Building Committee for the North Webster Church of God, the advisory board for Mutual Bank, and the Combined Community Services Board.
When he had free time, Dave enjoyed working in his shop and had a special fondness for wood working. He enjoyed fishing and sharing the fruits of his labor through an annual fish fry. He and Beverly also enjoyed spending time in Florida. Dave and Beverly especially loved spending time with their four grandchildren, including watching them participate in baseball, basketball and cheerleading competitions.
When Dave passed away, his friends and family made gifts in his memory to establish a scholarship fund for Wawasee High School seniors pursuing a skilled trade after graduation.
Beverly says that her husband had a strong work ethic and a big heart. He believed in treating people fairly and with respect. She said that Dave’s message to future generations was 1) to have a strong work ethic and to work harder than expected and others will notice, 2) no matter where you came from or what you’ve done, you can always create a new beginning, and finally 3) believe in yourself and have a strong faith.