Dave Selent

2 MIN. READ 

David Garland Selent, age 79, passed away at his son’s home in Winter Haven, Florida, on May 2, 2024.

Dave, who was born June 10, 1944, in Maryland, grew up in a loving home where he enjoyed playing sports and participating in band, orchestra, and National Honor Society.

He graduated from Washington Gardner High School in Albion, Michigan, in 1962 prior to attending Anderson College from which he graduated in 1967. While there, Dave met his wife, Doria Peterson, and made many lifelong friends. Some of his fondest memories were of the great golf team of which he was privileged to be a part and their many trophies.
Following his marriage to Doria on June 15, 1968, they served as house parents at Hillcrest Girls Home, next to the campus. Beginning a pattern of service, Dave continued working with many organizations including Optimist International, Kiwanis, and Warner Camp. He could often be found singing in quartets and choirs at the many churches they attended over the years.

Their many adventures took them to Dowagiac, Michigan, where Nick was born, then briefly to Billings, Montana. After returning to Michigan they settled in Allegan, where their family expanded with the birth of Kristi and Joe. Eventually, they moved to Valparaiso, Indiana then Gobles, Otsego, and Paw Paw, Michigan. After the death of his wife Doria following 40 years of marriage, Dave retired as a financial advisor for Edward Jones and relocated to Lake Wales, Florida.

In his retirement he enjoyed coaching his most beloved sport, golf, at Warner University as well as chauffeuring friends and students to the airport, doctors appointments, and sporting events as a means to serve his community.

Dave Selent was preceded in death by his wife, Doria Selent; his mother, Grace Selent; his father, Ray Selent; his brother Gary Selent. He is survived by his children, Nick (Marlene) Selent, Kristi (Craig) Rose, Joe (Lexa) Selent; eight grandchildren; Ella, Alaina, Lauren, Brynna, Kolson, Avery, Julianne, and William; his siblings, Ray Selent and Dennis (Merlin) Selent.

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.