SGM (Ret) David LeRoy Teufel

SGM (Ret) David LeRoy Teufel was born June 28, 1931 to John Franklin Teufel and Martha Sofia (Mumm) Teufel in Francis E. Warren Army Post, Cheyenne, Wyoming and passed from this life October 18, 2014 at the Life Care Center, Waynesville, MO. He had reached the age of 83 years, 3 months and 16 days. He grew up an Army brat until his father was killed in an accident on post when David was 16 years old. He had two older brothers, Richard Check and Gene Check. David entered the Armed Services June 15, 1952 and was sent to Ft. Leonard Wood for basic training and spent his two years there being honorably discharged June 1954. He had attained the rank of Sergeant (T). He had met and became engaged to his wife of 60 years, Lillie Mae Crossland during this time and they were married August 2, 1954. To this union, one son John was born in 1957 and was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 2 months. They added a beautiful seventeen month old daughter, Marty to their family in December 1963 and another eight month old son David in July 1983. These children were a welcome addition to the Teufel family. David returned to the service for the Army in March 1955 and continued to serve for 24 years. He was stationed in many locations including California three times, San Antonio, Texas, Ft. Clayton, Canal Zone, Panama, Vietnam and Thailand and finally back to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in 1971. By this time he had attained the rank of Sergeant Major and had many decorations to include the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He retired from the military November 30, 1976 and six months later joined the Civil Service work force retiring again in November 1991 when his health forced a permanent retirement. David had returned to school after retirement from the military and attended Drury University graduating Summa Cum Laude, June 1983. David was baptized in San Antonio, Texas in September 1959 along with his wife Lillie and from that day forward he worked diligently for the Lord. He attended Chapel at evey location and was very active teaching and serving as secretary and elder. When reassigned to Ft. Leonard Wood for his final years in the military, it was time to find a church home and that was First Christian Church of Waynesville where he attended with his family until his death. He served as Deacon, Elder, and the Secretary Treasurer of the church board for almost forty years as well as publishing the weekly newsletter (Christian Clarion). His health once again forced him to give up the work he loved the most, serving the Lord and spreading His word but he continued to hold Him close in his heart. David leaves behind to miss but cherish his life, his loving wife Lillie, his children Marty and David, his grandchildren, Trinity, TiAnna, TaShawna, and Taylor, 6 ½ great grandchildren, Sebastian, Gabriel, Ashton, Elijah, Gemma Lillie, Isla Rose and baby girl on the way, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha, father, John Franklin, son John, and brothers Richard and Gene. After many years of health struggles on earth, he can now rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 23, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Bill Walton and Chuck Embree officiating. Becky Lercher sang “Another Soldiers Coming Home”, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” and “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as escorts were Jerry Nelson, Troy Frey, Tony Nichols, Dexter Frey, Thomas DeKorsey and Tommy Gullett. Serving as honorary escorts were Juan Gomez, Phil Hayes, Roy Nichols, Gary Wann and Johnny Pierpoint. Burial with military honors followed in the Buckhorn Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of David Teufel to the organization of the donor’s choice and may be left at the funeral home.

SGM (Ret) David LeRoy Teufel

June 28, 1931 - October 18, 2014