David Blattner

Paul David Blattner, 76, of Jackson passed into the loving arms of his heavenly Father on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at his home, surrounded by loving family.

David was born Feb. 26, 1947, in Cape Girardeau to Paul Edward and Marion Emile Hager Blattner. He was baptized at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gordonville on April 20, 1947. David was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau on March 26, 1961. His confirmation verse was Psalm 23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." On Aug. 28, 1981, he married Noretta Sue Phillips at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

David attended Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau through eighth grade and was a graduate of Central High School in Cape Girardeau. He served in the Missouri National Guard.

David worked in the masonry construction field for 50 years. He owned and operated River City Masonry for more than 40 of those years. He was a well-known bricklayer and stonemason, and very hard worker who always kept busy doing projects around the home in his spare time until his body was too broken down to continue working. He had a special fondness for Arkansas fieldstone that reflects in the many projects he constructed around the home and around town.

David owned and operated Fireplace Center in Cape Girardeau for 40 years. He also owned a furniture refinishing business and a nursery connected to that property. He put in the "Putt in Strut" miniature golf course, which he operated several years before turning that property into an office building.

David had many interests, including working with stained glass and woodworking. He had a special affinity toward classic cars and Canadian Mist.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years; three sons, James Mark (Amy) Ketcher of Cape Girardeau, Dr. Reid Joseph (Dana) Ketcher of Hood River, Oregon, and Andrew David (Ashley) Blattner of Oak Ridge; a daughter, Kristi Lynn (Shane) Williams of Cape Girardeau; 11 grandchildren, Courtney Aden, Arikka Proffer (Tony), Morgan Proffer (Taylor), Jacob (Molly) Long, Ambrea Moore, Carson Ketcher, Bryson Ketcher, Colson Ketcher, Sydnee Williams, Haylie Williams and Ava Blattner; and six great-grandchildren, Aryanna Boyer, Jerric Aden, Aurora Aden, Avalon Aden, Aria Proffer-Klein and Vera Ketcher. He is also survived by a brother, Tyrone Blattner (Dara Kay); two sisters, Charlotte (Ed) Ellington and Emily Limbaugh; two aunts; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Laura (Joe) Proffer; and a daughter-in-law, Danette Ketcher.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The Rev. Paul Short will conduct the funeral at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the funeral home. A private burial in the family cemetery on the family farm will be held at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the charity of choice.