Metzler, David Lee

David Lee Metzler, 19, of Lynchburg, joyfully met his Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 27, 2009. David was born May 23, 1990, in Blytheville, AR, a son of Keith Alan Metzler and Susan Burgess Metzler of Lynchburg. He was a graduate of Brookville High School in 2008 and was a good soccer player.

He was attending Virginia Tech as a sophomore, majoring in industrial and systems engineering, where he was active in the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church where he served the Lord by leading worship for the youth. Wherever he went, people admired him for his unwavering faith and consistent walk with the Lord. He loved his family and friends deeply and above all he loved Jesus.

David was found by a passer-by around 8am in the parking area at Caldwell Fields – a campground popular with Virginia Tech students – located about 15 miles from campus in northern Montgomery County. He was found dead, apparently shot, along with his friend, Heidi Lynn Childs.

David’s body was found inside a car; Heidi’s body was found on the ground outside the vehicle. No weapon was found at the scene, and authorities are investigating the shootings as a double homicide.

In addition to his parents, David is survived by his sisters, Kristin Durand and her husband Matt of Lynchburg, Lauren Washer and her husband Bradley of Monterey, CA, and Sherri Metzler of Lynchburg; his niece, Isabella Washer; his maternal grandparents, Lionel and Ruth Burgess of Catonsville, MD; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be greatly missed.

The family received friends from 3pm – 6pm on Sunday, August 30, 2009, at Heritage Baptist Church. A funeral service was conducted at 1pm on Monday, August 31, 2009, at Heritage Baptist Church, with Dr. F. Gerald Kroll officiating. Interment Virginia Memorial Park after the conclusion of Heidi Childs’ service.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, assisted the family.