David L. Phalen, 61 of Plainfield, IN went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 5, 2015 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on June 25, 2015. He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 22 years, Deborah M. (nee King) Phalen, loving stepson and friend, Michael S. (Laura Robinson) Rodriguez, sweet little buddy grandson, Ryan Michael Rodriguez of Mooresville, mother, Mary Louise Phalen of Norwich, Ohio, sister Sherry Keller of Weatherford, Texas, brother, Kim (Tammy) Phalen of Zanesville, Ohio, one niece, Wendy and 3 nephews, Matt, Scott, and Joseph. Also surviving are life-long friends, Max Pickens of Concord, Alabama, Robert Sue-Boy Cessinger of Paris, Illinois, Patrick Haussin of Linton, Indiana and Tom Gonzalez of Terre Haute, IN.He was preceded in death by his darling and precious son, Joshua Adam Phalen, his nephew, Michael Phalen, father Norman Phalen, and sister, Pamela Phalen.Deb and David met in 1989, bonded on their first date and married in 1992.David went to High School in Hueytown, Alabama where he had many fond memories. He graduated from THE Ohio State University School of Engineering earning a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, he worked 15 years for Peabody Coal Company after college and relocated to Linton, IN. David had the foresight that the coal industry was about to change, and desired to further his career. He began working at RSR Quemetco, Indianapolis in 1992 as the Electrical Maintenance Supervisor. His love of computer programming led to his most recent position at Quemetco as the Automated Controls Engineer, which he enjoyed until January, 2015. He had many personal and professional relationships and was greatly admired for his intellect.He loved sailing his boat, KNOT SO FAST at Kentucky Lake in western Kentucky with his first mate but also as a solo captain. David was a certified Bareboat Charter Captain. He also enjoyed astronomy, science, history, geography, movies, college and pro football, Stephen King novels and vegetable gardening. He read at least 2 books a week for his profession or his favorite, science fiction. His nickname was MacGyver because he could fix just about anything.Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness. David chose to make a life change and began attending Kingsway Christian Church, Avon, where the lost and broken are transformed by the love of Christ. He attended classes to become a member and the angels sang on June 14, 2015 when he was baptized. Many prayers were answered that day. The family is so grateful for the support, love and prayers of our church family at this devastating time. We love and serve an awesome God who loves us so.The family also would like to thank the first responders of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Dept. and Union Hospital, Terre Haute, the Lifeline pilots and medical team, as well as the awesome ER doctors and staff of the Neuro Critical Care Unit at IU Health/Methodist in Indianapolis. The care and respect David received from you, especially the RN’s was phenomenal!Cremation services were arranged by Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care, Indianapolis. www.simplicityfuneralandcremationcare.comMemorial Contributions would be appreciated to Kingsway Christian Church, 7981 E. County Road 100 N, Avon, IN 46123.
