NEW PALESTINE – David (Dave) Eugene Pluckebaum, age 54, of New Palestine, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 26, 1969, to Frank and Mary (Cardis) Pluckebaum. He graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in 1988. He served in the Army as a PFC E3 Calvary Scout for three years. He married Karey J. Pluckebaum on March 2, 1996.

He worked for Honda Auto Plant in Greensburg, Indiana as an Associate for sixteen years. David was a former member of IUA (Indiana Umpire Association) and a member of IOA (Indiana Officials Association) for ten years. He was also the former president of Warren Little League. David worked for fourteen years as an umpire official, football referee, basketball referee and IHSAA official. For four years he was also the New Palestine Youth League Umpire Director. Dave coached girls’ basketball at Warren Central for ten years as well as coaching in the Warren Youth Football League for four years. He also was active in coaching Warren Little League Baseball for nine years and Warren boys’ basketball for two years.

Dave took pride in decorating his yard for all holidays. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he would create elaborate displays, expanding his displays and adding more decorations every year. Dave focused on decorating the outside of the house, while his wife decorated and made the inside of the house festive. Dave is known for having a green thumb, dancing, and singing and always having a smile on his face.

He is survived by his wife, Karey Pluckebaum; son, Michael David Pluckebaum; siblings, Joe (Lisa #1) Pluckebaum, Judy (Mike) Myers, Mary (Jeff) Rucker, Katie Hughes, Ed (Lisa #2) Pluckebaum, Noreen (Shannon) Pluckebaum, Richard (Lisa #3) Pluckebaum, and Jean (Brett) Caldwell; twenty-two nieces and nephews; twelve great nieces and nephews; one grand pup, Leo James; and his dachshunds, Kona, and Kirby. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank, and Mary (Cardis) Pluckebaum.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250, by website at https://help.dav.org/, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.