David Stuart Himmelsbach

Colonel (Retired), Dr. David S. Himmelsbach, PhD., veteran of the United States Army, and career research chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, passed away suddenly of natural causes in his home on January 27, 2025 at the age of 81.

Dave, a longtime resident of Athens and Watkinsville, Georgia, was born on October 19, 1943 to Jacob and Ruth (Davies) Himmelsbach and grew up in Pennington, NJ. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and was commissioned as an Army officer in 1966, with immediate active service in Regensburg, Germany.

Col. Himmelsbach continued his service in the Army Reserve which culminated as Commandant, Third U.S. Army/Army Central Command. He was awarded numerous commendations and medals, including the Legion of Merit, for his distinguished service during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf War eras. As an Army retiree, Col. Himmelsbach was actively involved with the Miliary Officer's Association of America.

Dave earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in chemistry at the University of Georgia, and had a prominent career as a renowned, well-published research chemist at the USDA's Richard B. Russell Research Center in Athens.

Dave was very active in his community and a dedicated member of St. James Church, coordinating and conducting foreign missions, directly supporting the Kairos prison ministry, and leading discipleship groups for those seeking to deepen their faith. In light of Dave's many accomplishments, the greatest aspect of his life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. Dave understood that through the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for his sins, that he would be given eternal life. God gave Dave a lot of joy in outdoor activities. He was an Eagle Scout, and he loved camping, skiing, cooking, walks with their canine companion, Grady..., and eating ice cream.

He was a cherished member of his family as a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, most recently a great grandfather. Dave is survived by his wife, Janice, children, Christoph and Julia, stepdaughter, Brionne, former stepchildren, Donald and Valerie, and by eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

A drop-in reception for family and friends starting at 3pm will be followed by a memorial service at 5 pm, on Sunday, February 2nd at St. James Church in Athens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. James missions support (sjathens.org/give-online).

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com