David Wayne Tohlen, age 71, passed away on December 8, 2025.

David Wayne Tohlen, of Branson, Missouri the son of Wilson and Leona (Fisher) Tohlen was born June 3, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri. He departed this life on December 8, 2025, at the age of 71. His parents preceded him in death.

David grew up in Overland, Missouri, and graduated from Ritenour High School in 1972. He went to Southeast Missouri State University to study psychology. It was at the campus BSU where he met his wife, Gayle Lutz. They were married on July 24, 1976.  David was ordained as a minister at Bethany Baptist Church in 1975. After his undergrad studies, David and Gayle moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1980, David graduated with a MDiv degree.

David’s life passion was spreading the gospel message and serving others. He served as associate pastor, working with music and youth in several churches: Bonne Terre Baptist, Bonne Terre, Missouri, in 1972, Bethany Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, from 1972 to 1976, Bedford Baptist Church, Bedford, Kentucky, from 1977 to 1980, West Baptist Church, Batesville, Arkansas, from 1980 to 1997, and Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Crossett, Arkansas,  from 1997 to 2014.

When David was not doing the Lord’s work at church, he enjoyed softball, golf, hunting, snow skiing, playing games, and being with his family. David was particularly fond of blueberries, ice cream, and other sweet treats, which he liked to incorporate in the events he planned. Having a wonderful personality, David was known to play a good practical joke from time to time. Those who knew David and those who had just met him, would leave his presence with a smile on their face and a laugh in their soul. He was quick to show up for others in both joy and grief. David will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, as well as a servant-hearted, faith-filled friend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gayle Tohlen of the home; two daughters and their husbands: Julie and Trey Pelz of Branson, Missouri, and Jennifer and Brian Oglesby of Cordova, Tennessee; six grandchildren: Parker, Hallie, Calem and Linley Pelz, Dalen and Gabbie Oglesby; four brothers and their spouses: Charles and Debbie Tohlen of McKinney, Texas, Mark Tohlen of Rolla, Missouri, Dennis and Emily Tohlen of Raymore, Missouri, James and Lisa Tohlen of Wentzville, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Tohlen of Gainesville, Missouri; as well as a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 4:00 PM, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Branson, Missouri, with a visitation one hour prior to service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Missouri Huntington’s Disease Association HDSA. Contact information is listed below. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence message for David’s family, please visit http://www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.  

Checks can be mailed to: 
Missouri Huntington's Disease
Society of America
P.O. Box 159
Wentzville, MO  63385
Online Memorial donations, scan here.