David VanGennip

ADVANCE, Mo. -- David James VanGennip, 55, of Advance passed away May 17, 2016, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Oct. 26, 1960, at Cape Girardeau, the son of Norman and Imogene Stowers VanGennip.

David worked for 30 years at Do It Best Corp., retiring in February 2016. He was the fourth generation to operate VanGennip Family Farm. He was a row crop and cattle farmer. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Advance and also a member of the Knights of Columbus Third Degree.

He had been an Advance Youth League baseball and basketball coach. He was a loving, caring and kind man. He was the most proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved farming, golfing, camping, family vacations, deer camp and playing blackjack. He was known for his great sense of humor and wit and also for helping anyone and everyone.

David and Darlene Burger were united in marriage Sept. 16, 1989, at Kelso, Missouri, and she preceded him in death March 17, 1998. He later married Tammy Ziegler on Aug. 25, 2000, at Advance, and she survives of the home.

Survivors include his parents, Norman and Imogene VanGennip of Marble Hill, Missouri; his wife, Tammy VanGennip of the home; two sons, David (Taylor) VanGennip of Advance and Darren (Sydney Eeftink) VanGennip of Advance; two stepsons, Trent (Cammie) Essner of Jackson and Tyler (Maryssa Campbell) Essner of Advance; his twin brother, Danny (Olga) VanGennip of Marble Hill; two sisters, Beverly (Johnny) Johnson of Marble Hill and Cathy Probst of Cape Girardeau; two grandchildren, Paxton and Finley Essner of Jackson and a grandchild due Nov. 30; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. Parish prayers will be held at 4 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Advance, with Father Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will follow at Morgan Memorial Park in Advance.