David Paul Van De Venter 1942-2008

David Paul Van De Venter, the only child born to the union of William Paul and Wilma Jean (Hudson) Van De Venter, was born August 25, 1942 in Springfield, Missouri.

He departed this life the morning of October 18, 2008 at St. Johns Regional Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 66 years, 1 month and 23 days.

The Van De Venter family lived in the Mtn. Grove, Missouri area until David was in the 6th grade. They moved to Laquey, Missouri where he finished school and graduated from Waynesville High School in 1960.

When he was a young man, David accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized. He was a member of the Westside Baptist Church.

On October 23, 1960 in Waynesville, David married Marcella Faye Coogan. He and Marcella shared nearly 48 years of marriage and two daughters: Roxanne and infant Vickie Lynn Van De Venter.

David was a civil service employee for many years working as a civilian personnel clerk at Ft. Leonard Wood. He not only enjoyed woodworking, but was a true craftsman. He loved watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, but not nearly as much as watching his grandson, Chris play baseball and basketball. He never missed a game.

David was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his wife: Marcella; his mother: Wilma Van De Venter of Waynesville; one daughter: Roxanne Hendrix and her husband, Buzz, one grandson: Chris Hendrix and his wife, Sara all of Laquey and many other relatives and friends.

David was preceded in death by his father: William Paul Van De Venter and his infant daughter, Vickie Lynn Van De Venter.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 22, 2008 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. David Brown officiating. Pianist Neil Lewis accompanied Soloist Zella Wieners as she sang In the Garden and Amazing Grace. Serving as escorts were Calvin York, Josh Nickels, Clarence Wieners, Darold Wieners, Don Woods and Van McCoy. Serving as honorary escorts were Gary Nickels, Charlie Eickhorst, Norman Stoll and Terry McCoy.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of David VanDeVenter and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.