David A. "Dave" Gillam , age 56 of Tipton, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at I.U. Health North Hospital in Carmel following a brief battle with COVID-19.  He was born November 13, 1965 in Elwood, the son of Milton "Dale" and Leah Mae (Shallenberger) Gillam.  Dave was a 1984 graduate of Tipton High School.  He married the love of his life, Debra L. "Debbie" Ballenger, on September 19, 1987, and they shared over 34 years of marriage together.  Dave worked as the lead property maintenance manager at Cicero Christian Church for the last several years.  He truly enjoyed working at the church and always made himself available when needed.  Dave was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Tipton.  He was very artistic and musically talented.  Dave especially enjoyed wood carving and could carve almost anything out of wood.  He made numerous Christmas and birthday gifts out of wood, including miniature stools, golf balls, and Christmas ornaments.

Dave had the ability to play nearly any instrument, but he excelled at playing the harmonica.  He would regularly play music with several of his friends.  Dave was an excellent artist, and he could turn almost anything into a beautiful piece of art.  He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, camping, and going fly fishing.  He was known as "the problem solver" and was the kind of person who never met a stranger.  Dave was formerly a member of the Eastern Woodland Carvers Club in Converse and the former regional director of the A-Liner Camping Club.  More than anything, Dave will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, and friend to everyone.

Dave's family includes his wife, Debbie Gillam of Tipton; 3 brothers, Tim (wife Phyllis) Gillam of Avon, Steve (wife Angie) Gillam of Tipton, and Mike (wife Marie) Gillam of Strasbourg, France; sister-in-law, Lisa (husband Dan) Patton of Tipton; mother-in-law, Beverly Mahaney of Tipton; very special dog, "Isabelle" who he referred to as "Izzy"; 4 nieces; and 5 nephews.  Dave was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service celebrating Dave's life will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Cicero Christian Church in Cicero with Pastor Bradley Speck and Pastor Adam Colter officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday prior to the service at the Cicero Christian Church.   Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home is honored to handle Dave's funeral arrangements.  Health precautions for the safety of the family and all visitors are greatly appreciated.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.