David Hente

David Lester Hente, 74 of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, March 26, 2017, at his home.

He was born Aug. 15, 1942, the son of Lester and Alice Hente.

Except for four years in the United States Air Force, David was a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran School and Cape Girardeau Central High School.

Survivors include one brother, Dennis (Pat) of Dexter, Missouri; a nephew, Brian, serving with the U.S. Air Force in Goldsboro, North Carolina; and a sister-in-law, Carol of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a younger brother, John; and a nephew, Andy Hente.

For many years, he was a local news reporter and photographer, working for KZYM and KFMP radio stations, the Bulletin Journal and the Southeast Missourian. As a reporter, Dave's specialty was breaking news, and he had close ties with law enforcement and emergency-services personnel throughout the region. He also covered city council and school board meetings of nearby communities. Some of his favorite topics to write about were the weather, railroads and river conditions.

He also worked for Rustman and Ryder Student Transportation in Cape Girardeau, safely transferring students in the Cape Girardeau, Egyptian and Shawnee school districts to and from school and on many field trips, band activities and sporting events.

David never met a stranger and was eager to share his knowledge of local history, the river, railroads and current events with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed motorcycle rides, camping, walks, miniature dachshunds and anything Cajun. For many years, he was an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 21 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and accompanied the troop on numerous campouts in more than a dozen states. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts.

David enjoyed visiting historic sites, re-enactments and festivals. He particularly enjoyed the annual encampment at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, Illinois, and visiting Shiloh National Military Park.

He was affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod throughout his life; one of his favorite Sunday evening activities was listening to The Lutheran Hour programs.

Burial was in the cemetery at Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.