David F. “Dave” Phelps was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, to the late William and Geneva Phelps, on January 24, 1949. He married his wife, Mickey, on September 5, 1970, and they spent 53 wonderful years together. Dave was a lifelong resident of Prairieton, Indiana.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mickey Phelps; daughter, Ramie Carver (Brad); son, Drew Phelps (Amy Compton); and granddaughter, Madison Phelps (Adam Craig); along with many other family and friends.
Dave was a United States Army veteran and served as a volunteer firefighter for 59 years. Dave answered his last alarm on the evening of November 2, 2023, while fighting a fire with the Prairieton Fire Department. Throughout his many years with the fire department, Dave held positions as chief, assistant chief, captain, and was the district fire chief at the time of his passing. Dave was a longtime member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.
He received many awards and recognition throughout his 59 years of service. In December 2002, Dave received the Governor’s Meritorious Service Award from the state of Indiana. In January 2004, Dave was awarded the State of Indiana Fire Marshal’s Medal of Valor for his quick actions in saving the lives of two people at the scene of a structure fire. In June of 2023, Dave was named Mr. IVFA for the state of Indiana, the highest achievement given by the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association. In November of 2023, Dave received his very last award from the state of Indiana, the Meritorious Service Medal, for his ultimate sacrifice on November 2, 2023.
Dave loved God, his family, and his community. Along with being a volunteer fireman, Dave was a lifelong member of the Prairieton United Methodist Church and served as the Prairieton Township trustee for many years. Dave was a trusted mentor, coach, and friend to many throughout his time in the community and with the fire department. He was a positive influence, always encouraging as many friends and neighbors as he could to join the volunteer fire department, including his children. Dave’s son, Drew, is a 19-year career firefighter with the Terre Haute City Fire Department and volunteers with the Prairieton Fire Department.
Dave was a loving husband, father, and papaw. He was a caring, compassionate, and kind soul. He would give you the shirt off his back. He never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone he met.
The immense impact that Dave has had on his family, the community, and the fire department cannot be measured. He will forever be in our hearts, and his legacy will not be forgotten.
To a man who I respected and admired for his knowledge and patience. He always had time to instruct you on the proper way to do things and possibly what to do when things go south. He is greatly missed
– Larry Dempsey