David Charles Cormier

David Cormier, of Crestview, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday August 8, 2018 at the age of 69. He was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force.  

David was born to his parents Raymond and Kathryn Cormier on March 26,1949 in Biddeford, Maine.  Soon after high school, Dave joined the Army Reserve where he served for six years.  He then joined the United States Air Force and was a trained bomb loader.  Stationed at Clark AFB, Philippines in 1976, Dave was part of the US response to the North Korean tree cutting incident in which two US Army officers were killed by North Korean soldiers in the DMZ.   In the rush to load his B-52 for a possible airstrike, Dave injured his back. This resulted in Dave eventually cross training into the logistics field.  This was significant in that Dave then spent his final six years in the USAF as a logistician at one of our countries most highly classified sites, AREA 51.  He never spoke of his work there.

  After retirement from the USAF in 1993, Dave used his logistics background and security clearance to start Cormier Trucking, Inc.  He delivered classified loads coast-to-coast to some of our front-line troops, especially those involved in special operations.  In this, David continued to serve his country.

  David met the love of his life, Barbara, at an early age and they have been married for over 48 years. They brought three beautiful children into the world.  He enjoyed playing golf and working on his Corvettes, but most importantly, he loved his family who always came first. He was the President of the Playground Corvette Club.  He took much pride in making the club what it is today. He loved his Vettes! David also enjoyed boating and, obviously, traveling with his wife. The apple of his eye were his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  David was helpful to anyone in need, especially his neighbors and friends.  He was known to all of us as a fair, honest, and generous man who gave his all, regardless the endeavor. He was preceded in death by his parents.

  David is survived by his wife of 48 years Barbara Cormier; his sons Robert Cormier and Michael Cormier; and his daughter Rene’ Kelly.  Brother Raymond Cormier, sisters Carol Brookman, Susan Oakes and Janet Cormier Salter.  David leaves behind his 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. 

  A graveside service with full military honors will be held on August 22, 2018 at 10:30 at Barrancas National Cemetery on Pensacola Naval Air Station.  In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in David's Memory to the American Heart Association.

  Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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