David Lee DeHoog, 54, of Mount Dora, Florida, died unexpectedly on June 20, 2015.

David had ugly toes and a tender heart; prematurely white hair atop a boyishly handsome face; and a smile that could light the moon. He was snatched from us way too soon. Only God knows why.

Many knew David the accomplished musician, teacher, former minister of music or even David the skilled wood artisan, who was just beginning to realize his dream of selling those precious, hand-crafted works. But he would want to be remembered most as the proud father of David of Anchorage, AK, Rachel of Gallatin, TN and the late Gerrit.

His children were everything to him. In fact, they were planning to stand up for him as he married the love of his life, Amy Campbell of Mount Dora, in December. David didn't like traditional rules. "Who needs one best man when you can have two best kids?"

And that's what made so many love him; including his students. He was filled with love after the college's commencement ceremony this spring when he was told by at least two of them that he was their favorite teacher, by far, and that they would miss him more than anything at the school as they moved on. His classes were fun - but that's not to say learning wasn't going on. His idea was not only to teach but to instill a life-long appreciation of music.

David was involved in music all his life - starting with the second-hand clarinet he got in elementary school. He conducted a large variety of musical groups - both instrumental and vocal - from full choir and orchestra productions to small auditioned professional groups. In addition to clarinet, he played the sax (his favorite), flute and some piano (although he referred to himself as just a chord banger). He earned a BFA in music education from Florida Atlantic University as well as an MA in church music from Asbury Theological Seminary.

In addition to his children and fianc, David is survived by his mother, Jean DeHoog of Lake Jem, FL, sister Jeri Lynne Bouterse (David) of Ohio, brothers Mike (Debbie) DeHoog of Boynton Beach, and Ron (Tessie) DeHoog of California, as well as nephews Brian (Jackie) Heath of Ohio and Brad (Lisa) Heath of Pennsylvania. He had a special place in his heart for his adorable nieces, Audrey and Corgan DeHoog. He was preceded in death by his father, William DeHoog.

David will be missed tremendously by his great group of friends - Ester and Larry Burns, Mary Ann and George Czyz and Chrissie and Alec Hawkes. He and Amy found the perfect mix with them.

The four-legged set loved him too. His dog, Dartel, had been by his side for as long as anyone can remember and he was irresistible to Amy's cats Sam, Luna Lovegood and Mrs. Thomas as well as his Lake Jem kitties Winnie, BooZoo and Lilly.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday June 27, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the David Lee DeHoog Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 95, Mount Dora, FL 32757.

David was one of the founding members of the Brewery Boys, the house band of the Mount Dora Brewery, on Highland St. in Mount Dora. They will celebrate his life and honor his memory on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 8-11 p.m. All are welcome.