Honoring David L. Kegler's Life, memorial & burial.

Hello. I currently live in Ohio. The included photograph is one of the last I have of my brother, David L. Kegler, working at a job he loved.

My younger brother, Dave, passed away apparently peacefully at his home in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, sometime in the past three days. He was discovered yesterday, 26 May, 2025, by sheriffs attempting to understand why he had not accepted his most recent social security check, as I understand. Information is sketchy as my yet younger brother, who lived near Dave, has been contacting mortuaries, law officials, and more, hoping to put pieces together.

Dave had been dealing with afib and a respiratory problem.

He and I spoke a week ago via phone; he sounded happy and positive. And of course, this news coming to me yesterday was a shock, as it is for our younger brother living near him in Louisiana, as well as his daughter, Caroline, of Oregon.

Dave served in the military. He was a graduate of DeVry Technical College. Most recently, for several years, he worked as Captain of ships in the oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico/America.

Dave was also an excellent auto mechanic, keeping his vehicles in tip-top shape. He also helped others with automotive problems at a fair price or nearly zero. I had planned on visiting him on his 70th birthday in September. He said he'd get my vehicle in top shape for free; I'd pay only for parts and be a helper.

He retired not long ago, but due to his penchant for not being idle, he recently took up delivering pizzas in his neighborhood along with some auto mechanic work, which over time he kind of began disliking. Still, he would help even though he might have grumbled under his breath.

Despite that, he was a fun guy, good-humored.

Never wasteful with his earnings, he instead bought a house with a garage that he turned into an excellent auto repair mechanic space with all the tools needed.

A big heart this guy had. Sensitive, sometimes quick to anger, however more quick to be calm and forgive. Rarely did he speak badly of anyone. When he did, it was for good reason. Nonetheless, this man, my brother, did not hold grudges nor attempt to degrade anyone despite some doing so to him.

His preference upon his death was that his body be donated to science. Apparently, that is not possible in the state he'd lived in for years.

My living brother and niece are working to raise funds for a cremation or burial, both of which were not my brother Dave's choice.

He did not want a huge memorial, rather a celebration commemorating his life.

We are seeking financial assistance for a decent burial or cremation and possibly a gathering of some friends and family that are able to attend in celebrating his good life as well as reuniting some family not seen together in several years.

We are, most likely the same as many families, broken or not, do not care to ask for donations. However, this situation came quickly and unexpectedly.

We are waiting on Dave's death certificate to help move forward.

With hesitancy and regret of asking for donations, we are mixed in asking.

I, his eldest brother, have taken on the hope of some assistance to hopefully turn this sad time into what Dave had hoped for. At the least, a coming together of some close friends and family to celebrate his kindness in this life, and of course, a respectful burial of sorts hoping to honor his wishes as close as we possibly can.

At this time we have no service date. We are attempting to maintain our senses of this unexpected tragedy.

Nothing else to say at this time, especially knowing many people suffer with similar losses. If your heart moves you to do so, please listen.

Thank you.

-AK2nd