David H. Clingman, 81, of Springfield passed away Thursday morning, January 1, 2009 in the Springfield Regional Medical Center-East High Campus.

He was born November 29, 1927 in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Harold and Mary (Lutz) Clingman.

David graduated from Springfield High School in 1945, Wittenberg University in 1951 and received his master's degree from The Ohio State University in 1958. He retired from Shawnee High School as a band and orchestra director with 32 years of service. Mr. Clingman was a member of the Central United Methodist Church for many years, member of the BPO Elks Lodge, Beta Theta Pi and American Federation of Musicians.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty J. (Broomhall) Clingman; one daughter, Michele Lazarus of Cheyenne, Wyoming; one brother and sister-in-law, James and Tammy Clingman of Troy, Ohio; three grandchildren, Maggie, Abby and David Lazarus; two great grandchildren, Riley and Avery Kirkwood and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nancy Clingman and Betty Hunt.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home.

Burial will follow in the Ferncliff Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the David Clingman Orchestra Scholarship at Clark-Shawnee High School, 1675 East Possum Road, Springfield, Ohio 45502.