Dr. David Louis Schooler, 82, of Kettering, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.  David was born on February 24, 1941, in Ardmore, OK, to Morris and Wilda (nee: Potter) Schooler. Throughout his childhood, the family moved as his father's job dictated.  They lived in Texas and North Dakota until they permanently settled in Rolla, Missouri, where he grew up and graduated from high school.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bill Schooler, and his sisters, Jeanne Schooler and Joyce Hayes. He is survived by his wife, who loved him deeply and was best friend of 48 years, Jayne (nee: Eberling) Schooler, his son, Ray Schooler, his daughter, Kristy (Richard) Matheson, and his grandchildren, Lacy Schooler, Micah Matheson, Annalise (Matthew) Jude, and Aaron Matheson.

An event on April 28, 1965, changed the course of David's life.  Headed in a destructive trajectory, David encountered Christ at the Rolla Assembly of God Church that Sunday evening.  That fall, he enrolled in Central Bible College to prepare to become a minister.

Living a rich and full life, he never planned to retire, and he was never bogged down because of age; he was fueled by passion to love, to serve, and to stay a lifelong learner.  He was a minister for the Church of the Nazarene for over 50 years.  He served in Missouri before moving to Lebanon Church of the Nazarene as senior pastor in 1981.  He then served as senior pastor at the West Carrollton Church for 12 years, beginning in 1992.

David was known throughout this area as a compassionate, healing pastor.  However, his impact grew worldwide through his work with Lamb International and Back2Back Ministries. With Jayne, he brought trauma training, soul healing and hope to individuals in over 22 countries from 2004 to 2020.  Regrettably, his first book, Caring for Kids from Hard Places, written at age 82, won't be released until May of 2024,

Those who have sat under his ministry loved his one-liners: Keeping Showing Up, Today Matters and The Journey Continues, to name just three.  During his illness and following his death, his family has received hundreds of emails and texts from all over the world speaking of the incredible, life-changing impact he had on each one of them.  One time at a conference he shared that he had spent thousands of hours with thousands of people over his 50 years, in his "two-chair" university.  After he shared that, he wondered and did the calculation. Yes, he was right.

David became ill with pancreatic cancer on January 2, 2024, and held to hope for healing.  Ohio Valley Hospice graciously served him once he decided to come home from the hospital.   Throughout it all, he stayed strong, gracious, and appreciative.  His favorite word, as many of his friends and family knew, was Thank you!  He did receive his healing completely on January 30.

Visitation, Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 3-6pm with a funeral service immediately following at 6 pm, all at the Countryside Church of the Nazarene. Reverend John Stone and Reverend Jamey Johnson officiating. Interment, Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11 AM at Lebanon Cemetery. Those coming to the graveside service can meet at Hoskins Funeral home at 10:30 to follow the procession to the cemetery or meet at the gravesite at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to go to the Schooler Institute: Trauma Training Center,7031 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45415 or by visiting: Schooler Institute