David W. Sturdevant, age 75, died on Thursday, July 21, 2016. He was born on November 5, 1940 in Buffalo, Missouri and grew up in Springfield.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his four children, Michael, Stephen, Dan and Anne, and Mary's son, Nicholas Wheeler and seven grandchildren; two sisters, Carolyn Neeley and Nancy Harris. He also leaves countless friends and co-workers who grew to appreciate his boundless sense of humor and love of nature.

Dave enjoyed many years of fishing, canoeing, hiking, and bicycling and had a love for wildflowers and constellations. Dave and Mary enjoyed travel in North America and overseas by canoe, bike, Airstream, and on foot.

He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy and continued his education at Southwest Missouri State College, graduating in 1962. From 1955-1962 he worked each summer at Camp Wakonda. He officiated high school football from 1969 through 1985.   In 1995, he was inducted into the Southwest Missouri Football Officials Association Hall of Fame. For many years, Dave worked for the Missouri State Inspection Bureau. He went on to be the safety director at Conco Companies until his retirement.

He is remembered as a great teacher and mentor. He was a founding member of Ozark Mountain Paddlers, earned certification as a Master Naturalist, was a loyal volunteer for Friends of the Library, and served as Chair of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Dave also served on the Greene County Building Commission and the Springfield-Greene County Environmental Advisory Board.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dave with a donation may contribute to Camp Wakonda, c/o YMCA Camp Wakonda, 22237 Lawrence 2080, Ash Grove, MO 65604.