David Scherer

David Henry Scherer, 68, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at his home.

David Scherer

He was born Aug. 19, 1949, in Cape Girardeau to Jerome J. and Rosalia Duenne Scherer.

David was a 1967 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau. He was drafted into the United States Army on May 14, 1969, and served during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge May 13, 1971. Being a man of small stature, he was a "tunnel rat" during his service in Vietnam. His commendations and medals include two Bronze Star medals for heroism (one with valor); Purple Heart; air medal; three Army commendation medals for bravery; Vietnam service medal with 60 device; combat-infantry badge; and sharp shooter (M14 and M16).

David was a firefighter for the city of Cape Girardeau for 28 years, retiring in 1999. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post No. 3838 in Cape Girardeau and was a member of WarChild RG, which raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and U.S. Veterans.

David was "loved by his family and friends and respected by his enemies."

Loving survivors include three daughters, Cheryl "Cheri" Scherer (Christopher Avery) of Jackson, Carla Brown (Doug Stacey Jr.) of Cape Girardeau and Kelly (Kevin) Schafer of West Frankfort, Illinois; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Sharon Scherer of Cape Girardeau and Dale and Eliza Scherer of St. Louis; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Delores and Terry Deck of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Dorothy and Dennis Clark of Louisville, Kentucky, Darlene and Joe Bullinger of Jackson and Dianne and Tom Redman of Lucas, Texas; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Donna Rose Scherer.

Friends and family are invited to gather at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The Patriot Guard and WarChild RG will escort the procession to the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield for a 2 p.m. committal service and military honors.

Upon returning from Bloomfield, friends and family are invited to a celebration of life gathering at the VFW in Cape Girardeau.

Upon David's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may take the form of contributions to Cheryl Scherer to help defray final expenses or WarChild RG. Please make checks accordingly and mail to Cheryl Scherer, P.O. Box 132, Jackson, MO 63755.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Cremation accorded by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.