Dave DeSonier

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

David Michael DeSonier, 68, of Joplin, Missouri, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 24, 2026, after a six-year struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. He spent his final days surrounded and cared for by his family.

Dave was born July 12, 1958, in Richmond, Virginia, to Henry and Oleta DeSonier, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Roanne; his three children, Michael, Joshua, and Christie; and his eight grandchildren: Roslyn, Athena, Oliver, Sage, Emily, Lincoln, Eden, and an expected grandson due in October.

Dave was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He made a point of spending time with his children, teaching them, encouraging them, and sharing with them the lessons he had learned throughout his life.

He was known for his wisdom, kindness, intelligence, and generosity. He freely gave his time, love, and talents in service to others, whether as an elder, youth minister, school board member, coach, friend, or parent. He had a lifelong love of learning and filled his library with hundreds of books spanning theology, science, history, philosophy, and many other subjects. He was also an avid photographer, a skilled saxophone player, and a dedicated student of theology and apologetics.

That love of learning carried through his formal education. Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in Geophysical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 1980, a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1983, and later in life, a Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University in 2012.

Professionally, Dave worked at ARCO from 1980-2000 in geophysical engineering and finance, then spent more than 20 years with Leggett & Platt, retiring as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Investor Relations. He approached his work with the same thoughtfulness, curiosity, and integrity that characterized the rest of his life.

Dave faithfully attended College Heights Christian Church, where he served as an elder and invested deeply in the church community. His faith in Jesus remained steadfast throughout his life and was central to the way he loved, served, learned, and lived.

The funeral service will be held at College Heights Christian Church on Sunday, October 4th at 3:00 pm, with visitation to follow. Burial will be the following day at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday October 5th at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions to be made to LifeChoices or to Watered Gardens in care of the funeral home.