David L. Ames

On October 1, 2023, at the age of 82, David Lewis Ames passed peacefully from his home in Florence to his home in Heaven, after an extended battle with dementia and cancer. Rarely apart, he joined his wife in Glory only three weeks after her passing. Born on August 13, 1941 in his home, Dave became a lifelong Florence resident. A 1960 graduate of Florence Township Memorial High School, he was woven into the fabric of this town. Dave served as a volunteer fireman for the Florence Township Fire Department, starting as a junior firefighter in 1958. He started working as a letter carrier in November 1962. He walked and drove the streets of Florence, delivering mail and greeting his customers for 38 ½ years, until his 2001 retirement. Upon retirement, Dave worked over 15 years serving lunches to the students at Riverfront Middle School. Whether on a walk to Rocco’s for pizza, Debbie’s Snack Shack for a Boost slushie, or a trip into Burger King, he always found a familiar face, be it a student, a former classmate, or a person from his mail route. He truly was the unofficial face of Florence. A chance encounter at Columbus Sale led Dave to meet the love of his life, Cheryl Denney. They eventually married after her 1962 graduation from Pemberton Township High School. Dave and Cheryl were charter members of Calvary Baptist Church in Pemberton. He served the Lord by serving as a deacon and trustee of the church. In addition to his own children, Dave loved the opportunity of teaching children in Christian Service Brigade, Vacation Bible School, and AWANA Club. He took seriously his responsibility of sharing the love of Jesus with others. Dave is survived by his three daughters: April Eckart (Everett), Dale Dixon (Robert), and Sandra Barrett (Albert); and four grandchildren Kristina King (Anthony), Forrest Dixon, Kaitlynne Yos (Adriel), and E. Neil Eckart III; and two great-grandchildren: Talon King and Aidalynne Yos; a niece Elaine Heath and nephew James Heath. He was also survived by a longtime family friend, Marge Jackson. In addition to his wife, Cheryl, David was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Eva (Fichter) Ames, as well as his sister Shirley (Ames) Diaz. Service times: A private graveside service was held at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Florence, NJ. A time of visitation with the family will be from 10:00-11:00 am. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, 5 Scrapetown Road, Pemberton, NJ. A memorial service will be held after visitation at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made, through Calvary Baptist Church, in David’s name to support Guatemala missions. He and Cheryl were avid supporters of their granddaughter’s mission work there.

David L. Ames

August 13, 1941 - October 1, 2023