David Harold Oesterling, 83, of La Plata, MD, died December 24, after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Oesterling graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corp Aviation Cadet Program in 1943; active duty until November 1945. Recalled to active duty from August 1950-August 1951; served in the Active Reserve Forces through September 1959. He retired as a Supervisory Chemist from the Naval Ordnance Station, Indian Head, MD, where he worked for 32 years. He had been responsible for the development and coordination of analytical procedures in support of NAVORDTECHCEN's program for the Technical Exploration of Foreign Ordnance. He was a lifetime member of the DC Ramblers Motorcycle Club; life member of the American Motorcycle Association; life member of the National Rifle Association; former member of the Charles County Powder Burners; enjoyed travel by motorcycle and later travel trailer including two trips to Alaska.

Born October 28, 1925, in Butler, PA, he was the son of the late Willis Harold Oesterling and the late Bertha Pauline Gibson.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Buckley Oesterling.

He is survived by his children, Jane Burke of CA; Ruth and her husband Doug Case of La Plata; Mary and her husband Wade Mayonado of Leonardtown, MD; and Matthew and his wife Teresa Oesterling of La Plata; grandchildren, Shannon Case, Erin and Jimmy Mayonado, Jessica Sizemore, Gunther and Abigail Oesterling.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Charles County, P.O. Box 1703, La Plata, MD 20646.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.