M. David Hetrick

David Hetrick, age 69 of Veedersburg and longtime Warren County resident, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL.   David was born on August 12, 1949 in Danville, IL. He was the son of Andrew Jackson “Jack” Hetrick and E. Katheryn (Lucas) Hetrick Bannon. David lived in Warren County most of his life. He attended Seeger High School and after that he enlisted in the US Army serving during the Vietnam Era in the 368th Maintenance Battalion. He returned and worked C & D Technologies for 19 years also farming. Working as a Merchant Mariner on cargo ships for 22 years, he was designated as a Recertified Bosun. Sailing around the world he received the Magellan Award. During his semi-retirement he was proud to be working for A. J. Construction with his son, Andrew Hetrick. On April 1, 2014 he married Victoria Moore in Crawfordsville, IN and moved to Veedersburg, and she survives.   David had a passion for farming, buffalo, and Angus cattle. Known as Buffalo Dave to many friends during midlife; he spent the later part of life starting the Bar H Angus Ranch in 2015. He was much admired by colleagues and friends for his insight into training, and supporting others to higher levels of performance positioning him in many leadership roles. During his 22 year Merchant Marine career he maintained the status of SIU Union steward. During the 2012 President Hugo Chavez Venezuelan seize of the cargo ship Ocean Atlas he was given recognition for his leadership role in keeping the crew composed and safe. He was known for his quick wit, his mischievous smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. David’s best kept secret was his romantic nature but his closest friends saw the love he shared with his wife, Victoria.   David was a lifetime member of both the VFW #3318 Attica and the Angus Association, and a member of the F & AM Lodge #315 Pine Village.   Surviving with his wife, Victoria, are, Children, Wendy Smith (Daniel) of Dallas, TX, Andrew Hetrick (Stacy) of West Lebanon, IN, and Julie Clark (Fred) of Williamsport, IN; Step-daughter, Stephanie Moore (Alan Tegle) of Whitesboro, TX; Siblings, Julia M. Ottenweller (Carl) of Morgantown, IN, Thomas A. Hetrick (Pam) of West Lebanon, IN, and Chester D. Hetrick (Karen) of Phoenix, AZ; Grandchildren, Wil Clark, Alex Childers, Abbigail Hetrick, and Jacob Hetrick   David was preceded in death by his parents.   Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with F & AM services at 7:00 p.m. Services will be there in the chapel on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Rainsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County 4-H Cattle Program. Online condolences may be made at www.gradyfuneralhome.com.