David John Roth Sr., of Jackson died at home Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. He was born March 7, 1938, to August and Anna Dissen Roth of Illmo. Baptized and confirmed at Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City, he also married Carol Bennett there on Aug. 21, 1960. Three children blessed the marriage.
He graduated from Illmo-Fornfelt High School and Southeast Missouri College (now Southeast Missouri State University) with a degree in chemistry, and received a master of arts degree at Southern Illinois University--Carbondale in 1963.
David worked for Monsanto in Dayton, Ohio, and Sauget (greater St. Louis), Illinois; and Cooper Oil in Sauget. In 1974 he purchased the Rainbow Drive-In from Ray Bennett, operating it until 1981. He then managed Larron Laboratory and MEAD Environmental until he retired. He spent his last years enjoying family and outdoor life. David's favorite pastime was fishing in the family pond, bringing in fish for supper.
David was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church and later at Hanover Lutheran Church, both in Cape Girardeau, and held various offices at each church. He also enjoyed helping with the sausage suppers at Hanover Lutheran.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol Roth; three children, the Rev. David Roth Jr., of Owensville, Missouri; Deaconess Deborah (the Rev. Dr. Carl) Rockrohr of Ridgeville Corners, Ohio; and Daniel (Tammy) of Independence, Kansas; six grandchildren, Chaplain Paul (Stacy) Rockrohr, USN; Capt. James (Megan) Rockrohr, USMC; Deaconess Rebecca (the Rev. Scott) Johnson; Theodore Rockrohr; Kenneth Roth; and Karma Roth; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Mabel Schwark; sister-in-law, Arlene Roth; brother-in-law, Carlton Nebel; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings James, Ruth, Edward and Bernice.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Steven Theiss officiating. Burial will be in Eisleben Lutheran Cemetery in Scott City.
Masks are required for visitation and service.
The family request memorial donations be made to Saxony Lutheran High School and Hanover Lutheran Student Endowment Fund.
Online condolence may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.
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