MSG (Ret) David "Dave" Royce Paddock

David Royce Paddock was born on June 15, 1939, in Oxly, Missouri, to Ortega K. Paddock and Addie Mae (Wise) Paddock. He grew up in southern Missouri attending Tucker Elementary School and Naylor High School. Dave spent his childhood on a small farm in Oxly, Missouri, with his parents and six siblings: Mary, Juanita, Jackie, Faye, Alletta, and Doug. They were very close growing up, enjoying the special pleasures that rural America offered in the 40’s and 50’s. Summers were especially fun; they spent their time playing barefoot outside, swimming and fishing in the nearby creek, and catching lightning bugs. Often they were joined by their nieces Bobbie, Janet, and Arlene. During the winters they would all gather around the quilting frame making beautiful quilts from scraps of material saved throughout the year. Their closeness endured throughout their lives. After graduating from Naylor High School in 1957, Dave joined the Army. He retired 20 years later on October 31, 1977, having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. His assignments included locations in Germany, Vietnam, Fort Belvoir, Fort Bliss, and Fort Leonard Wood. On September 27, 1971, Dave married Linda K. McClendon, and they had two children: Debra Lynn and Jeffrey Royce. Their family was also blessed with Peggy Ann and Gary David, Dave’s children from his first marriage. Dave was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who always put his family’s needs first. While he enjoyed his career in the Army, he was anxious to retire and start a new career in construction. He built many homes in this area and was very proud to see his son, Jeff, follow in his footsteps. Dave enjoyed elk and deer hunting from a young age, and passed that love on to his son, Jeff, and grandson, Hunter. Colorado offered both and remained the big game hunting area for years. Later in life, when he was no longer able to hunt because of his health issues, he enjoyed all the stories that Jeff and Hunter brought back, as well as the elk meat which was always his favorite. Dave accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1981 and remained faithful throughout his lifetime. He started each day reading his Bible and praying. His faith grounded him and was an enduring example to others. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Mary, Juanita, Faye, Alletta, and Jackie. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 53 years, Linda, their children Debra Paddock, Jeff Paddock and wife Misty, Peggy Ligo and husband Sam, and Gary Paddock and wife Mary, and grandsons Adam, David, Hunter, Jeremiah, Daniel, Joseph, and Samuel, his brother, Doug Paddock and his wife Karen, along with several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Dave passed away on May 19, 2025. He is now home with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Services were held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Todd Williams officiating. The songs" How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood, "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me, "We Shall Behold Him" by Sandi Patty, and "Go Rest High on that Mountain" by Vince Gill were played. Dave's wife, Lin, gave a beautiful eulogy in memory of Dave and recalled her wonderful memories of him. Serving as escorts were Jamie Clark, Brady Brown, Jason Shelton, Matt Campbell, Ben York, and Clinton Jarrett. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with military honors being provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dave Paddock and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

MSG (Ret) David "Dave" Royce Paddock

June 15, 1939 - May 19, 2025