David Andrew Vetter, Col. (Ret.)

Colonel David Andrew Vetter departed peacefully for his journey to heaven on June 27, 2024. David was born on July 22, 1945, to the late Donald and Elizabeth Vetter in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He met his beloved wife, Royce, at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois. David attended the United States Naval Academy after high school. He graduated and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines Corps in June of 1967. He completed training and then served in Vietnam as an artillery officer. David and Royce were married a few days after he returned home on June 14, 1969. David served our country as a US Marine for 30 years. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel in 1997 and then returned to the Naval Academy as the Dean of Admissions. David and Royce moved to Mount Airy, Maryland during retirement to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They made many new connections and friends in the Frederick area during their retirement years. David’s unique spirit of quiet strength and kindness was evident to all who knew him. He deeply loved God, his family and his friends. His love and respect for our country and those who serve it was extraordinary. David’s life was a continuous reflection of integrity, immense gratitude and humility. David has been reunited in heaven with his bride, his sister, and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Mandy (and husband Wayne) Jedlowski, his son, Aaron (and wife Karen); grandchildren, Jacob, Noah, Jordyn, and Gavin. A service will be held to celebrate the life of Colonel David A. Vetter in the Chapel at the United States Naval Academy on Monday, August 19th at 10:30am. There will be a reception following the service at noon in the Officers Club. In lieu of flowers, Colonel Vetter’s legacy of faithfully serving others can be honored by making a memorial contribution to City Youth Matrix. This organization was founded and is currently directed by David’s son, Aaron. Donations can be made online at https://www.cityyouthmatrix.com/en/mission or checks can be marked as a memorial gift and mailed to: City Youth Matrix, Inc. P.O. Box 3295 Frederick, MD 21705