David Esa

David Earl Esa, age 88, died suddenly on August 17, 2017, in Springfield, MO.

He graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1947. On May 27, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Vera Josephine Worsham, also from Mountain Grove, MO. They have enjoyed 68 years of marriage.

David’s interests were country music, sports, art, gardening, reading, and volunteering. He was especially fond of the Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears and he enjoyed traveling extensively. After retirement, David was a volunteer for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau for many years. He also loved the Lord and had a passion for gospel music.

David’s career was with Kraft Foods starting in 1946 and remained with them for 45 years, retiring on August 1, 1991. He had the opportunity of serving Kraft in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Idaho. David’s entire working life was with the dairy industry and he was past president of the Arkansas Dairy Products Association, a past member of The Missouri State Milk Board Advisory Committee, and past board member of The Missouri Butter and Cheese Institute.

David is survived by his loving wife, Vera Jo Esa of Springfield, his daughter, Susan Kay Esa of Springfield, his daughter-in-law, Nancy Elizabeth (Betsy) Esa of Knoxville, TN, two sisters, Mary Ann Baumgardner and husband, Ted, of Winter Park, FL, and Esther Durrant and husband, Allen, of Jacksonville, FL, two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Friend and husband, Rex, of Springfield, and Marietha Crewse and husband, Leonard, of Brentwood, TN, and numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, David Joe Esa of Knoxville, TN, his parents, Tressie Mae and August Esa, of Mountain Grove, his three brothers, Elmer Esa, Albert Esa, and Oscar Esa and one sister Elsie Esa.

The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at The First Baptist Church, Mountain Grove, MO from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at the Church, with Rev. Brad McAtee officiating. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the Peace Chapel Assembly of God, 9260 N. Farm Road 183, Fair Grove, MO 65648, Missouri State Foundation (either to the agriculture or music department) and mailed to 300 South Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 or a charity of the donor’s choice.