David "Dave" Pete Dragon was born on March 8, 1925 to Petrie (Pete) and Rosalia (Rose) Buzash Dragon in Terre Haute, where they immigrated from Romania. He married Virginia (Ginny) Rose Fuson on December 28, 1944 and they were together for 72 years.

He is survived by his five sons Pete (JoAnna), Jim (Darinda), Bill (Monica), Dick (Joy), and Tim; 16 grandchildren Kari (Bob) Kemp, Daniel (Robin) Dragon, Mendy (Micah) McClain, Matthew (Miriah) Edens, LeLyne Edens, Bethany (Shaun) Frederickson, Darick (Michelle) Dragon, Phillip Roberts, Matthew Roberts, David Roberts, Doogie, Heather Dragon (Tiffany Singer), Corrie (AJ) Beecher, Savannah (Chris) Watton, and Jesi (Cyle) Toney; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and a sister Anna May Pence.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Amelia Baltesu, Rose Dragon, Elizabeth Dragon, Lena Long, and Mary Caton.

Dave enlisted in USMC on May 10, 1943 where he served as an F4U's Corsairs mechanic in Okinawa, Japan, and he was honorably discharged on April 9, 1946. When he left the Marines, he worked in the coal mines and was later employed by General Telephone as a cable splicer. He retired after 30+ years of dedicated employment.

Dave and Virginia gave their hearts to Jesus in 1950 where he served as song leader, deacon, and teacher at the Greenwood Baptist Church. He was ordained into the ministry at Second Prairie Creek Baptist Church after which he pastored at Jordan Village, Second Prairie Creek Baptist, St. Bernice Baptist, Burnett Undenominational, and Greenwood Baptist. He retired from the ministry in 2021 from Greenwood Baptist Church. He faithfully served the Lord from his salvation in 1950, leading hundreds to the Lord and guiding them on their Christian walk until he took his last breath.

In the last year of his life, Dave started working out at Planet Fitness. He had the honor of leading half a dozen of the fitness staff to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm at Samaritan Funeral Home (located at 2425 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47807) with a funeral service to follow at 3 pm. Online condolences can be made at www.samaritanfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Greenwood Baptist Church, c/o Terrie Alvater, 2431 S 1st St, Terre Haute, IN 47802.