H. David Canankamp of Wooster, Ohio and Lake Wales, Florida passed away at his Wooster home on June 17, 2026. He was born September 19, 1940, in Wooster to John and Olive Canankamp, and grew up on the family farm on Firestone Road.

A 1958 graduate of Northwestern High School, he began working at the D.C. Curry Lumber Company while still a student. Over his 40-year tenure there, he worked in every capacity, purchasing stock in the company as it became available until he was the primary owner. Former customers and employees still say that he was the face of the Curry Lumber Company, even after he sold his stock and was able to retire in his mid-50s.

He married his wife, Karen, on March 24,1969 at the United Methodist Church of Wooster. They each had two children, becoming one of the first blended families in Wooster. Together, they spent 29 years boating, first as recreational water skiers at local lakes and Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, and later as power boaters on Lake Erie. Dave received his U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license, an achievement of which he was very proud. He and Karen loved their years at Lake Erie, making numerous friends at the Nor’easter and Crews Nest Yacht Clubs. They also were able to travel domestically and internationally before Karen passed away in 2009.

In 2010, he married Janet Bierlein in Lake Wales, Florida where they spent the past 16 years. He liked to say that his life was divided into three stages: first, as a horseman and competitive barrel racer; second, as a boater, and lastly, as a golfer. He had many golfing buddies in Florida and Ohio and a years-long tee time with his dear friend, Ishwar Harris.

He was predeceased by his parents and wife, Karen. Surviving him are his wife, Jan; his children and spouses Mark (Tina) Canankamp of Wadsworth; Jayne Crunelle, Denise (Marty) Broda, Brent (Patti) Ellsworth, daughter-in- law Masae Ellsworth, and brother John (Mary) Canankamp, all of Wooster; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandson. From his marriage to Jan, he is survived by Dan (Joann) Griffin of Sheffield Village, Ohio; Lori (Larry) Garcia and Kathie Richmond of Lake Wales, Florida.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster.

A service will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Canankamp officiating. Burial will follow at Wooster Cemetery.

Dave supported several local charities, and memorial contributions may be made in his name to a local charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com