LIGHTLE, David L.

58, of Tipp City, passed away August 28, 2016 in China. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was a proud graduate of Tipp City Schools and Dartmouth College. Lightle harnessed his entrepreneurial skills, political interests, global experience, and linguistic expertise into a wide-ranging career. He worked as a speech writer for former President Ronald Reagan, invented country product image branding in Taiwan, Colombia, and other locations, and advised governments and manufacturers about international marketing. Most recently, he co-founded and served as CEO of Dayton-based Wright Brothers, USA, a marketer of Wright Brothers merchandise and intellectual property.

David Lightle is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Chen Ya; daughters Kristy (Dave) Grutter and Keri (Chip) Mallett; grandchildren Riley and Dexter Grutter and Keira, Kalissa and Alexandra Mallett; mother Dolores (Reynold) Freeman; brothers Mike (Susan) and Matt (Kristi) Lightle; sisters Sue (Bill) Robinson and Teresa (Brady) Westmoreland and numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends around the world. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald E. Lightle; and nephew Joshua M. Lightle.

A celebration of Dave's life will begin at 2:30 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2016 in the cafeteria of Tippecanoe High School, at 615 E. Kessler-Cowlesville Road, Tipp City, OH 45371. For those unable to attend the celebration, the family will be available for visitation at the school starting at 1:00 pm until the time of the celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards a fund/scholarship established in Dave's honor. For those wishing to mail a donation, please address it to Tipp City Area Community Foundations, P.O. Box 626, Tipp City, OH 45371, with a designation for David Lightle's fund. Donations can also be made through Paypal on the Tipp City Area Community Foundation website-www.tippfoundation.org.