In the 1980s and early 1990s, there was no referee in U.S. Army Europe unit sports more respected and revered than David Deinhardt.
“He did so much for military sports,” said Gary R. Lewandowski, chief of the community recreation division for the 414th Base Support Battalion in Hanau, Germany. “Everybody took his advice because he was an old pro.”
The “old pro” will be remembered Sept. 25 at a memorial service starting at 2 p.m. at the chapel on Armstrong Barracks in Büdingen, Germany. He passed away on Aug. 27 and his funeral at a German cemetery in Ober-Rosbach was held Thursday.
Deinhardt, a medical specialist, retired from the Army as a sergeant first class in July 1981, according to the 414th public affairs office.
A veteran of Vietnam, Deinhardt served in the Army for more than 21 years. After his retirement, he devoted himself to officiating military sports, Lewandowski said.
A top-rated official in basketball, he also officiated softball, baseball and football games. Later, at the community level, he added beach volleyball to the list.
In the mid-1980s, Deinhardt served as the supervisor of all V Corps basketball officials, traveling throughout Germany working and assessing referees. He also ran clinics for referees and umpires.
Lewandowski referred to Deinhardt as “a walking rule book.”
Over the last decade or so Deinhardt worked in unit and community sports in several communities, including Friedberg, Giessen, Hanau and Büdingen.
Deinhardt worked in Hanau up until February 1996.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea.
