David Ross

David B. Ross, formerly of Cape Girardeau, entered peacefully into Heaven on the evening of Thursday, April 14, 2016, surrounded by his wife, children and extended family. He was 63 years old.

David was born Feb. 23, 1953, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to John W. and Cheryl Ewton Ross.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan; a daughter, Erin Ross of Charlottesville, Virginia; a son, Bryan (Jennifer) Ross; beloved grandson, Owen of Kansas City, Missouri; his mother, Cheryl Smith of Chattanooga, Tennessee; two brothers, John (Cathy) Ross Jr. of Lawrence, Kansas, and Gregory Ross of Chattanooga; two sisters, Peggy (James) Denny of Aiken, South Carolina, and Chesley (Ray) Vohden of Lynchburg, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.

David grew up in Chattanooga. He attended Brainerd High School and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and his master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University.

He began his career working for three professional soccer teams before returning to Chattanooga as the assistant director for the UTC Roundhouse Arena. From there, he was called to Cape Girardeau to help design, build and manage Southeast Missouri State University's new arena, the Show Me Center. David was the center's first director, holding the position from the building's grand opening in 1987 until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, the Show Me Center saw entertainers such as Bob Hope, Tina Turner, Garth Brooks, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and countless others.

Ross earned his Certified Facilities Executive designation, served as president of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and helped mentor students and colleagues who launched careers in stadiums and arenas across the country. He believed strongly in the value of education and always encouraged everyone around him to learn as much as possible.

As successful as he was professionally, David's true love was his family. Although he worked long hours, he made sure he was just as involved in his children's lives and the community as he was with work. He coached soccer and baseball and attended dance recitals, marching band competitions, choir concerts, track meets, soccer tournaments, Rotary pancake and chili dinners and other activities. He took his family with him anywhere he traveled, taking in sights and ball games wherever he could.

David loved to celebrate birthdays and holidays (especially Christmas!) and travel to visit family. He was a devoted son, a loyal brother, a faithful husband and an unbeatable dad. He was at his happiest when he discovered he was going to be a granddaddy for the first time!

He loved to play -- everything from board games to golf -- and he played to win! He was a solid competitor with an unflappably positive attitude.

He could tell a great story, throw an unforgettable party, and he never failed to make people laugh. David loved people, and people loved him. He was admired and respected by his family, friends and professional peers. David is already and will continue to be dearly missed. We eagerly look forward to meeting him again in Heaven.

A celebration of David's life will be at 10 a.m. June 4 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's name to the IAVM Foundation or to the Cape West Rotary Club, where he was a longtime member.