David Matthew Fleming
David Matthew Fleming
David Matthew Fleming, 51, of Parkersburg, WV, departed this life peacefully at home on Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born in Bluefield, WV, on Feb. 13, 1974.
Always the life of the party, David was known by many nicknames–Krazy Dave, Super Dave, Wheelie King, Coach Dave, Flamingo, and D.D.–each a testament to his adventurous spirit and the many roles he embraced with passion. A devoted son, father, husband, coach, and friend, David brought energy and heart to everything he did.
A 1992 graduate of Parkersburg High School, he was a standout athlete, earning the title of West Virginia AAA Wrestling State Champion and being named Outstanding Wrestler. His love for competition extended beyond the mat to the trails, where he was an avid mountain biker who competed multiple times in the 24 Hours of Canaan.
Later in life, David worked for Foundation Building Material and was a member of Vienna Baptist Church. But his true calling was uplifting others. Whether inside the Vienna Bicycle Shop or in the Parkersburg Cougar/ Jackson Middle School wrestling room, he had a gift for making every kid feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness. To David, no child was a stranger, and everyone had the potential to be their very best.
Above all, David’s greatest joy was his family. He lived for the winters, snowboarding in his Yeti costume and lighting up the summer skies with his legendary firework displays, finding laughter in every moment. He never took life too seriously, always quick with a joke, a prank, or an outrageous stunt that reminded everyone not to sweat the small stuff. His generosity, humor, and boundless enthusiasm for life left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his father Phillip I. Fleming; wife Jennifer (Ford) Fleming; seven children: twins Austin Patterson, DO and Ashley Scherich (Neil), Gretchen Fleming, Emma Fleming, twins James and Ava Strothers, and David Matthew Fleming II; a brother Phillip I. Fleming II (September); his father and mother-in-law Larry and Nancy Ford; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his mother Louise I. (Sprouse) Fleming.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkersburg Cougar Wrestling Club or the Parkersburg High School wrestling program.
Visitation will be Monday, March 17th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg and one hour prior to the funeral service. Services will be on Tuesday, March 18th, at 11 a.m. at Vienna Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Bill Brown. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at J.P.Henry’s Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m.
For those attending the funeral services, please don’t wear black–David wouldn’t have wanted that. Instead, honor Krazy Dave by wearing whatever makes you feel like yourself, no matter how bold, bright, or downright ridiculous. Come as you are, just as he always did–embracing life with laughter, color, and spirit.