David J. Kohler

David Kohler passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026 at Carolyn’s House Hospice Center in Linglestown, PA following a short battle with cancer. He was 71.

A graduate of Cumberland Valley High School in 1973, he pursued higher education at Virginia Tech University with the plan to major in biology/pre-medicine. He was a National Honor Society Student at Cumberland Valley in 1973 and played football for the legendary coach Harry Chapman.

As happens with many people, after a year of formal higher education, David chose a different path for his life, one that ultimately seemed perfectly suited to his personality and the way he chose to live. Because of that, he became a legend to many who lived and worked in downtown Carlisle, PA. He was known as David “Redbeard”, or just “Redbeard”.

When David was younger, he enjoyed walking and meeting people on the street. It has been said that he would appear out of nowhere, carry on a warm conversation, and then vanish like a magician, or an angel!

David lived a simple life without the need for material things, unless the definition of material things included a TV to watch concerts or a CD player to listen to tunes. He would be sure to remind friends and family of different shows that were upcoming for which he knew would be of interest to that person.

An extremely intelligent and philosophical person, David had a curious mind and a unique way of looking at the world. Conversations with him were rarely ordinary. They were engaging, thought-provoking, and often left you seeing something from a different perspective. He had a quiet depth about him that made time spent with him special.

David had a deep love for music, particularly the Grateful Dead, and enjoyed documentaries about the musicians he admired. Music, ideas, and meaningful conversations were among the simple pleasures he cherished.

David was rich in the things that mattered most to him. His close friends were his family in every sense of the word, and the friendships he nurtured meant everything to him. He valued companionship, loyalty, laughter, and the connections that make life meaningful.

David's legacy is not measured by titles, accomplishments, or material things, but by the people whose lives he touched simply by being himself. He will be remembered for his kindness, his intelligence, his thoughtful nature, his love of music, and his ability to make a connection with just about anyone.

David's life reminds us that a meaningful life does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it is found in good friends, great music, thoughtful conversations, and the simple gift of being kind to others.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever appreciated by those who knew and loved him.

“Ode to the Great Red Beard” by Marshall Goldberg

“Travel on, intrepid trucker, detached from earth’s material comforts…You never sought them anyway! Contemplating our connections to the world…

We saw things,

You saw light!

We desired stuff,

You desired enlightenment!

We fed your body,

You fed our spirits!

We connected to earth,

You connected to the universe!

You departed without fear, Just endless curiosity!!”

Rest peacefully, David. “Let there be songs to fill the air!”

He is survived by his Father Joseph F. Kohler and stepmother Janice, Aunt Rosie and Uncle Dave Flack, numerous cousins and second cousins as well as too many friends to mention, with the exception being his lifelong best friend Todd Miller. David was preceded in death by his Mother Annetta Bean and his younger brother Bryan Kohler.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.