Rev. David Franklin Dayhoff
May 11, 1938 - August 8, 2023 (Age 85)
Rev. David Franklin Dayhoff, 85, of Cumberland, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at UPMC Western Maryland. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
David was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Birnie Franklin and Beulah (Rudisill) Dayhoff, the youngest of eleven children. He is survived by the love of his life and spouse of 66 years, Janet Arlene (Plunkert), three sons, Davis & wife Wilma, LaVale, Marcus & wife Leticia, Placentia, CA, and Jairus & wife Laura, Medina, OH; Grandchildren: Tasha, David, Ryan, Amanda, Aaron, Brooke, Kyia, Caleb, Vivian; and Great-Grandchildren: Avana, Ethan, Davis, Jill, and Oziah. He is also survived by his sister Shirley. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather to all of his family.
From humble beginnings as a Pennsylvania farm boy, David answered the call to ministry, attending Messiah College and then serving in several ministerial positions around his hometown of Hanover, PA. In 1962, he accepted an appointment to pastor Bethel Church of Nazarene in Cumberland, MD. This turned out to be his life’s work, spanning over 60 years, and giving him the distinction of being the longest serving pastor of the same church in the entire Nazarene denomination.
Rev. Dayhoff was known for his perseverance, convictions, and strong work ethic. He had a deep love for people and a desire that all would come to know Jesus Christ. He will always be remembered by his church family and the countless lives he’s touched as a humble and faithful servant, a Godly leader, a prayer warrior, and a loving, compassionate man of God.
Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 2 to 5pm.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Bethel Church of Nazarene, 11720 Valley Rd NE, Cumberland, on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 12 pm, with Dr. David Bowser officiating. Friends will be received at the church one hour prior to service.
Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.