David Hall

DAVID LEE HALL

Cedar Rapids

David Lee Hall, Ph.D., 69, of State College, Pa., died Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

Born June 15, 1946, in Blockton, Iowa, he was the son of the late Clarence B. and Dorothy Keenan Hall. On May 20, 2003, he married Beth A. McLaughlin, who survives at home.

He first married Mary Jane Moyer on Aug. 23, 1969, who died Aug. 22, 2001.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sonya Anne McMullen and her husband, Mac, of Philadelphia, and Cristin Marie Hall and her husband, Jeremy Moeller, of Boalsburg, Pa. Also surviving are a brother, Phil Hall and his wife, Sue, of Tipton; his twin sister, Wincie Armiger and her husband, Jon, of Lawton, Mich.; and four grandchildren, Aaron, Allison and twins Jonah and Sabrina Moeller.

Dave graduated from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids in 1964 before joining the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from the University of Iowa, where he studied math and physics and Penn State University, where he studied astronomy and astrophysics and completed his Ph.D. in 1976.

Dave lived a life that few can imagine. He grew up in rural Iowa to parents who valued education and learning. As a boy, he ground his own lenses for telescopes to view the stars and imagine worlds beyond our own. His acumen for math and science led him to learn more about astronomy and turn his love of the stars into a successful career in both industry and higher education. As a leader he served others as teacher, mentor, colleague and friend. He was "the people's dean" of the College of Information Sciences and Technology. He was loved by all who knew him.

The real essence of Dave, though, was his huge heart. Many words that describe Dave are kind, loving, generous and gentle. He loved his family and he took care of them. Dave was a twin himself and when he was given grand-twins, Jonah and Sabrina, his love knew no bounds when they called him "Grand-Dad."

We, his family, will never get over his loss.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. Following this service, a reception will be held for everyone to share stories and continue celebrating the life of this remarkable man. A private burial will be held at Arlington Memorial Park, Whitehall, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centre County PAWS (www.centrecounty

paws.org), 1401 Trout Rd., State College, PA 16801.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College.

Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneral

home.com or visit us on Facebook.