David E. Lumpkin

David Earl Lumpkin January 18, 1950 – November 26, 2024

David Earl Lumpkin, age 74, of Advance, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on November 26, 2024. Born in Lebanon, Indiana, on January 18, 1950, to Earl and Mary Belle (Whipple) Lumpkin, David lived a life marked by a deep and abiding faith, a fierce love for his family, and an unforgettable sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Aletha Lumpkin; three daughters, Ginger Claremohr (Whitestown, IN), Amanda Lumpkin (Indianapolis, IN), and Libbi (BJ) Bovin (Westfield, IN); two bonus daughters, Jill (Andy) Perkins and Erin (Trent) Ritchey; eight grandchildren, Shelby (Nic) Corral, Alex Truitt, Katie Randall, Abby (Colt) Ryan, Toby Ferrell, Tommie Truitt, Hudson Truitt, and Pax David Bovin; a great-granddaughter, Eleanor Ryan; and three bonus grandchildren, Layne Nhi Perkins, Gus Ritchey, and Hank Ritchey. He is also survived by his sisters Nina Shoup (Dunlap, TN) and Nona (Phil) Clements (Pittsboro, IN), along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and probably a few outlaws, who all adored him.

David was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra (Pickel) Lumpkin (married 1969–1998), and brothers Robert Lumpkin and Dennis Lumpkin.

A 1968 graduate of Pittsboro High School, he was one of five “Davids” in his class—just another example of how life always seemed to give him a chance to stand out. He attended Tennessee Temple University, where he earned a degree in Pastoral Studies in 1985. For more than 40 years, David served as a minister, guiding and caring for countless people in his church and community. He was a man whose faith was always evident—not just in his words, but in his actions, his kindness, and his genuine care for others.

David was proud to serve as a Town Councilman for the town of Advance, but beyond his work as a pastor and councilman, his humor was often the glue that held his family together, and his quick wit and infectious laughter made every gathering brighter. He once told his granddaughter that he only liked two kinds of dessert, the ones he had tried, and the ones he hadn’t tried. 

He was famous for his signature sayings.

“You know what they always say…” he’d begin, followed by some random, often obscure bit of wisdom or a quote that no one had ever heard before. 

Or he would sum things up with a playful, all-encompassing phrase: “this, that, and the other.” An expression that somehow manages to convey everything and nothing all at once, perfectly encapsulating David’s lighthearted and inclusive nature. 

His grandkids will forever remember him saying, "I pray for you every day," because they always knew that whether they were near or far, he prayed for them each by name every single day of their lives. 

And of course, no conversation with Grandpa would be complete without hearing his parting words: "Love you, kid," followed by a kiss on the cheek, an admonition to “Be good,” and a hug that made you feel like the most important person in the world. 

From a young age, David was known for his work ethic and deep sense of responsibility. At just five years old, he was washing baby bottles at the kitchen sink to help his mother care for his newborn twin sisters. He and his little brother Robert even got to choose their sisters’ middle names—David chose Nina Ruth, and Robert chose Nona Earlene—names that, like David, carry a sense of legacy and love.

By the time he was twelve, he was milking one hundred goats every morning before school—a feat that has since become family legend. Whether it was truly a hundred goats or just seemed like a hundred on those cold, dark Indiana mornings, no one can say for sure. But what is clear is that David’s work ethic was unwavering. His favorite goat was named Ginger—His firstborn daughter was also named Ginger. Clearly he loved his goats.

He had a lifelong passion for cars, and he shared this with his grandsons. He could often be found attending classic car shows, or in his garage meticulously repairing the vehicles of friends and family. His love for craftsmanship extended to his work as a builder and fixer—creating beautiful homes, fireplaces, pools, and remodeling kitchens. No detail was too small for David’s perfectionistic eye, and his work always reflected his dedication to getting it just right. He wouldn’t stop until every tile was perfectly aligned and every surface flawless—a testament to his dedication and high standards.

His knack for fixing things extended well beyond his own home. Whenever he visited his daughters, he couldn’t resist tinkering with anything that caught his eye. Whether it was a squeaky door hinge, a wobbly chair, or a faucet that dripped, David was on it—often fixing things they hadn’t even noticed were broken. It was one of the many ways he took care of them, and they wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

He had an uncanny ability to make anyone feel welcome, and he could always find a way to brighten someone’s day with a kind word or quick joke. His humor wasn’t just in his words, but in his actions—whether he was playing with his grandchildren, lending a helping hand to a friend, or offering wise counsel to someone in need. His love for life was infectious, and his generosity knew no bounds.

He often said his grandfather Robert Whipple was his role model. In a text advising one of his grandchildren, David stated, “We only become real men by prayer, compassion, and encouraging other men to stand strong, but with love and kindness, and they will become gentle giants. I believe my Grandfather Whipple was a very godly man and he wept all the time. Weeping or crying is just an emotional outlet. Some people clap, yell, and laugh while others like me and my grandfather respond with tears. Whatever you say or do, do it with love and compassion, and not with anger or disrespect.” 

Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and everyone who was touched by his life. He will be remembered not only for his devotion to his family and faith, but for the joy and laughter he brought into the lives of all who knew him. 

We would be remiss not to mention his firm belief in the Lord, and his desire that all should come to know Him, and someday join David in Heaven. If you would like to learn more, please contact Pastor Phil Clements at New Hope Baptist Church, Jamestown, IN. 

A viewing will be held from 4-7 on Tuesday, December 3rd at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home-220 N. Maple St, Pittsboro, IN. The funeral will be at Old Union Church 5681 S 500 W, Jamestown, IN at 1:00 on Wednesday, December 4th. He will be laid to rest in Brownsburg Cemetery, Brownsburg, Indiana, following the funeral service. 

If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to the Advance Food Pantry at Advance Fire Dept, PO Box 4, Advance, IN 46102. Please notate in memo for AFD/2.