Mr. David Robert Dreitzler, age 86, of Arab, Alabama, passed away at his residence on Monday, May 11, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 28, 1939, David was the son of Seldon Dreitzler and Irma Poser Dreitzler. He was a graduate of Illinois Institute of Technology. The family relocated from Huntsville, Alabama, to the Arab community in 1994. David was of the Baptist faith and a member of Gilliam Springs Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Lucille Wilburn Dreitzler (June 2020).
Mr. Dreitzler was a U.S. Navy veteran, proudly serving his country. After serving his military commitment, he worked at the US Army Missile Command as an electrical engineer. He maintained a lifelong interest in electronics and computers and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.
Mr. Dreitzler is survived by his grandson, Ryan Beaverson (Sara); his great-grandchildren, Andrew Beaverson, Jackson Beaverson, and Sarah Kate Beaverson; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, those preceding David in death include his parents, Seldon and Irma Dreitzler; his son, Randall Eugene Hooper; and his sister, Faye Dreitzler.
Services for Mr. Dreitzler will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Visitation, a time to reminisce, share, acknowledge, and honor him, will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Gilliam Springs Cemetery. The family would like to acknowledge and thank those who took special care of David. His caregivers, Terri, Savilla, Elaine and Samantha, were faithful, kind and compassionate and their commitment to David was greatly appreciated. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
