David Leo Ogle, a longtime Claremont resident, died on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at home with family, following a prolonged illness. He was 81.

He was born on July 29, 1934 in Boise, Idaho to Phyllis and Walter “Bus” Ogle.  He was the oldest of two boys and the first grandchild on both sides of the family.  At age 12, David moved with his parents to Schiller, where they operated a grain elevator for General Mills.

He graduated from American Falls High School in 1952 and married Wilma Waite on June 21, 1953. The couple moved to Boise, where he completed a certificate in music and their daughter Tanda was born. Returning to Pocatello, Idaho, Mr. Ogle completed his bachelor’s degree and earned a teaching credential at Idaho State University and began his teaching career in Gooding, Idaho. A second daughter, Jenny, was born there. 

Moving to Blackfoot in 1958, Mr. Ogle taught English and history at Blackfoot Junior High School while earning his master’s degree and administrative credential from Idaho State University. He moved into school administration as principal of Irving Elementary School in Blackfoot. During this time period, a third daughter Allison and a son Jeffrey were born in Pocatello. While living in Blackfoot, David and Wilma were active members of the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, where Mr. Ogle served as choir director and lay leader. He was also active in the Elks and enjoyed bowling and golf.

In August 1971 the family moved to California, settling in Claremont where David worked for the John Henry Company. He was a top salesperson for the western United States until the mid-1980s. Returning to his roots in education, he taught English to international students at the foreign language school located at Citrus College for many years. 

Mr. Ogle was passionate about literature, history, teaching and music. He read the complete works of numerous authors and took pleasure in reading poetry, completing challenging crossword puzzles and listening to music of all kinds. He also enjoyed playing the piano and his trumpet.   

David is survived by his wife Wilma Ogle; his daughters Jenny Teresi (Bennett) and Allison Rodriguez (John) of Claremont; his brother Ray (Ruth) Ogle of Pocatello, Idaho and Jerry Teresi of Rancho Cucamonga; his granddaughters Jennifer Teresi and Joanna (Steve) Schaefer, and his grandsons Todd Pratt and Noah Rodriguez.

He also leaves his great-grandson Ethan Schaefer and great-granddaughter Leah Schaefer; his nephews Dean (Laura) Ogle and Trevor (Kristie) Ogle and their families; and his brothers-in-law Charles Waite, David Waite and Jerry (Ruth) Kugler and their families. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tanda (Joe) Pratt, son Jeffrey Ogle and brother Stephen Ogle.

A funeral was held on September 26 at Claremont United Methodist Church, followed by interment in the church’s Memorial Garden. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Claremont United Methodist Church, 211 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711.