Obituary of David Loomis Lechner

David Loomis Lechner, 86, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away November 15, 2023 at Hilton Head Hospital after a brief illness. 

Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Eleanor Loomis Lechner and Frederick B. Lechner (both deceased), David graduated from Marietta College where he studied petroleum engineering. David had a long career in the petroleum industry, first working for others, then as owner and operator of Welsh Hills Oil and Gas. He was an active member and trustee of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association.

David relocated to Hilton Head Island in 2001 and married his high school classmate, Kay King Kara. David gave back to his communities as a volunteer with SERTOMA in Ohio, Habitat for Humanity, Antioch Educational Center of of Ridgeland, SC), and his church, First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island. David had avid interests in golfing and in collecting coins, rocks, and precious and semi-precious gemstones.

Survived by his beloved wife, Kay; his children, Mark (Tracey), Laura Lechner (Dan Ginsburg), and Steven; his grandchildren, Eric Ginsburg (Kacie Ragland), Carey Castel (Rob), Katie Ginsburg, and Cassie Lechner; his great-grandchildren, Cora Castel and Zadie Ginsburg; and his former wife Barbara Knauss Lechner. David is loved and remembered by his step-children, Ketti, Kent and Craig Harrison, and seven step-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm at The First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island (540 Wm. Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity (P.O. Box 2747, Bluffton, SC 29910), Antioch Educational Center (PO Box 1930, Ridgeland, SC 29936) or the charity of your choice.