David H.E. Opfer (Col., USAF, Ret) died peacefully at home on January 19, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his daughter, Lindsey Skinner (Harry), his grandson, David Skinner (Susan) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Anne Williams Opfer, his granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Skinner, his parents, Arthur and Helen Opfer, his three brothers and two sisters. A career military officer, David served his country with distinction in many capacities as a pilot and administrator. As part of the occupation forces in post-WW II Germany, he flew in the Berlin Airlift. After serving at the base in Chaumont, France, he returned to the US to work at the OSI at the Pentagon. His career took a delightful turn when he was able to teach ROTC cadets at the University of Maryland for four years. A four-year assignment in London, England allowed him to work with NATO as the Secretary for the Air Board for Military Standardization. He served as Director of Training for the Air Force Reserves in the late 60’s, spent a year in Vietnam as an advisor to the military academy in Saigon, then returned to be the Director of Personnel at Griffiss AFB. His next assignment took him in harm’s way as he was tapped to be the Military Attaché at the American Embassy in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Following this assignment, he returned to the States to serve at Barksdale AFB, from where he retired in 1975. More admirable than his military career, however, was his and Anne’s sponsorship of numerous Cambodian families after Cambodia fell to the Khmer Rouge. Refugees were fed, clothed, housed and trained for jobs through David’s hard work. He was considered to be the father of the Cambodian community. David was an avid community volunteer. He served on numerous boards of organizations that helped those in need in Chattanooga. At the age of 76, he became a docent at the Tennessee Aquarium where he served for 10 years, known for his keen knowledge (and bringing doughnuts for fellow docents!). David was always there to lend a helping hand to those who needed it—at the Community Kitchen, the Nature Center and the zoo, to name a few. David was a shining example of what it means to serve others with a loving and generous heart. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A celebration of the life of David H. E. Opfer will take place on March 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 211 Franklin Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350. The Rev. Robert Childers will preside. Full military honors will follow the funeral. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund at Sacred Heart Church, 300 S. Davis Dr., Warner Robins, GA 31088. McCullough Funeral Home in Warner Robins, GA has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Opfer’s arrangements.