David L. Dame, 73, Lebanon, Missouri, was born October 23, 1949, to Chester and Retha (Hicks) Dame in Lebanon, Missouri. David departed this life for his Heavenly Home on November 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Retha Dame; seven brothers, Burl Dame, Jerry Dame, Tom Sanderson, Donald Dame, Chet Dame, John Dame and Delbert Dame.
David is survived by his wife, Cornelia, of 52 years; daughter, Kimberly S. Atkison and husband Stacy; son, Bradley S. Dame and wife Candy; 10 grandchildren, Alyssa, Shelby, Austin, Bo, Madi, Katelin, Reagan, Ryan, Seth and Reese; brothers, Gearld Dame (Shirley), Gary Dame (Sherry), Dan Dame; sisters, Vivian Fletcher, Vera Cline (Ed), and Verna Dame (Gary Luckey); as well as a host of family and friends.
David grew up on over 100 acres near Bennett Springs State Park on Highway OO in Lebanon. He lived there with his mom, dad, brothers and sisters, raising a garden, chickens and milking Jersey cows.
His first job was at the Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon and he also worked at Independent Stave Company. He graduated from Conway High School in 1968 and met the love of his life in January of 1969.
When he was younger, his father and Uncle Dick Dame played Bluegrass music at a number of shows. David also played the banjo in his 30’s and 40’s and even played at Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival in Conway with his friend, Charlie Calton. His favorite song to play was “I Saw The Light.”
After a music show one day at his Grandpa Lewis’ house in Lebanon, he saw the girl that lived next door and knew that he had to go with her.
After dating over a year, cruising around Lebanon, he married Cornelia in 1970 and they began building their life together.
After school, David worked for his brother Gearld before purchasing Henderson Plumbing & Electric from Stanley Bud Henderson in 1988. He owned and operated the business for decades before passing it along to his son in 2012.
His brothers Gearld and Jerry helped build his first house on Deer Creek in Lebanon which burned down in 2000. He then built the big white house with a large front porch with the help of many friends and family members. His brothers also helped pour the concrete for a basketball court and put up a swimming pool in 1988, which saw decades of use by all of his children, grandchildren and extended family.
Many memories were made in that home, including on the front porch where David would share his famous jokes, wise cracks and stories.
He was very proud of his garden and how well it produced each year. In his elder years, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, kids, his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and took great pride in mowing his yard.
David was baptized alongside his oldest grandsons by his pastor, Jim Jones. His favorite music album was Precious Memories by Alan Jackson and in his final days, he knew where he was going.
Funeral services for David L. Dame will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Flatwoods Church, 22862 State Highway OO, Lebanon, Missouri 65536. Burial will follow at the Flatwoods Cemetery.
