David Stocking Obituary

David E. Stocking

Mar 2, 1950 - Mar 7, 2026

New London

David E. "Dave" Stocking, 76, of New London, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born March 2, 1950, Dave was a lifelong resident of New London. His relatives had immigrated from Hungary to rural New London a few generations prior and were fixtures in the local farming community; so much so that a road in the area where they settled was named Stocking Road for their family. Dave graduated from New London High School and earned an associate's degree in civil engineering.

Throughout his life, Dave would hold a variety of occupations; he was always a diligent employee and well-favored in any position that he held. Dave worked at A&P Grocery in New London for four years while completing his education. Then, he worked for Floyd G. Browne & Associates in Marion for two-and-a-half years as an engineering assistant and later designed wastewater treatment plants. In 1972, he began working for Ohio Body Manufacturing Company as an inspector, until there was a layoff just a few months into his tenure there. However, Dave's reputation clearly spoke for itself as he was rehired the same night of the layoff as a draftsman to help in the engineering department. An excellent draftsman, he served in that position for about a year and was eventually promoted to a designer position, which he held until 1979.

In 1979, Dave dedicated himself to farming, which he was both passionate about and knowledgeable about. He loved spending time in the fields, making plans for planting, harvesting, and eventually selling crops. He was great at what he did and was an incredible steward of the land. As his health declined around 2010, he was no longer able to care for the fields himself, but Dave would never truly retire. For many years, he worked with his friend and colleague, Bryan Deppen, in a custom combine arrangement in which Dave made all the plans for the fields and how/when/where to sell crops, while Bryan oversaw the physical labor in the fields.

In addition to his dedication to his own farm, Dave was also a member of the Farm Bureau and a proud member of the New London Buyers Club, supporting local 4H groups through the purchase of their animals at fair. Dave also made sure to assist 4H by purchasing a goat trophy each year, a tradition which his family looks forward to continuing in his honor for many years to come. Dave created an incredible legacy of dedication to land, animals, and the people he loved most, which will continue on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish Dave's memory are his loving daughter, Melissa (David) Wilson; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Uhrick, and Alexa Wilson; close friend, Angie Kuczma; and bonus children that he loved as his own, Joby Kuczma, and Inysha Beat; and stepson, Mike (Angela) McConnell of Daytona, Florida.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Perry "Red" and Lillian (Vacsi) Stocking and a sister, Cindy Farr.

In accordance with Dave's wishes, there will be no services at this time. Interment will be at Clarksfield United Methodist Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to New London Buyers Group or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with family at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.