David Ivey, M.D. (OPH ’69)

David Ivey, M.D.

Dr. David M. Ivey

July 26, 1936 – July 31, 2017

SOUTH BEND – Dr. David M. Ivey, age 81, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2017. David was an ophthalmologist at the South Bend Clinic and a retired colonel and flight surgeon in the United States Air Force.

David was born on July 26, 1936, in Crawfordsville, IN, to Homer Merrill and Sara (Nees) Ivey, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Las Cruces High School, New Mexico State University, and Northwestern Medical School. He served his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. On June 21, 1958, David married his first wife, Marietta Coble, who preceded him in death on May 28, 2007. He married Mary (Adam) Ivey on January 11, 2010; his wife Mary survives. David is also survived by his daughters, Sharon (Greg) Keller of Lumberton, MS, Susan (Joel) Gelb of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Sara (Dave) Nixon of Jimtown, IN; sons, David (Lisa) Ivey of Zionsville, IN, Gabe (Sabrija) Covey of Lansing, MI, and Aarron (Rebecca) Covey of South Bend, IN; fourteen grandchildren, Dustin Seanor, Ryan Seanor, Cooper Gelb, Martine Gelb, Max Ivey, Sam Ivey, Thomas Ivey, Alexis Oles, Ian Brown-Gelb, Eli Nixon, Makayla Nixon, Grant Covey, Lucy Covey, and Aubrey Covey; four great-grandchildren, Savannah Oles, Hudson Oles, Anniston Seanor, and Collins Seanor; brother, Daniel (Dorothy) Ivey of Richmond, VA; and brother-in-law, Glenn (Caryl) Coble of Marion, OH. David was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, John Coble; John’s wife Marcia Coble survives.

Dr. Ivey was a past President of the South Bend Lions Club, Michiana Chapter MOAA, past Chair of the Ophthalmology Department, and on the Executive Committee for both Memorial and St. Joseph Hospital. He retired after 20 years of service in the medical community and achieving Ameritus standing.

Once David retired from the South Bend Clinic, he became more involved with his passions of music and travel. He was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church for 37 years, which included singing in the bass section of the church choir. He participated in many productions with Indiana Opera North. He enjoyed train trips and cruises, riding on every line of AMTRAK in the United States, and spending over 300 days at sea. He loved planning trips, learning new languages, and experiencing different cultures.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 3, 2017, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Palmer Funeral Home River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 4, 2017, at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 Twyckenham Dr., South Bend, IN 46614. Reverend David Schrader will officiate. Friends may also visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Memorial contributions in honor of the Ivey family may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be given at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Obituary courtesy of the South Bend (Indiana) Tribune