David W. Rupp

David W. Rupp, a 79-year-old lifelong resident of Chillicothe, died at his home with his family on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, under the care of Saint Luke’s Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Monday, Feb. 29 at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Chillicothe. The Rev. Vincent Rogers will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgewood Cemetery at Chillicothe.
A Parish Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 at the Heritage Funeral Home in Chillicothe with family visitation to follow.
Mr. Rupp was born on Nov. 23, 1936, the son of John C. Rupp Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Rupp. He attended St. Columban’s Grade School, St. Joseph’s Academy, Maur Hill High School and St. Benedict’s College.
Following his college studies, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was assigned to the 366th Fighter-Bomber Wing at England Air Force Base, LA. He later transferred to the 834th Air Division. His final assignment was to the Strategic Air Command, Eighth Air Force, Sonder Stromfjord Air Force Base in Greenland. His unit was tasked with flying C-130’s to transport troops, supplies and equipment to radar sites on the polar Ice Cap during construction of the Distant Early Warning Line.
Upon completion of his military obligation, he joined the family oil business which covered most of northern Missouri. He later began his own business, constructing the first convenience store in Chillicothe along with a car wash and an ice plant. At his business location in Chillicothe, he erected what was, at the time, the tallest flagpole in Missouri.
Mr. Rupp was a Red Cross lifeguard, a charter member of Elks Lodge 656, member of the 8th Air Force Association, an associate member of the USS Burton Island Association, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a supporter of the Patriot Guard Riders and was a member of American Legion Post #25 in Chillicothe. For his work with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society he was named an admiral by former Nebraska Gov. Bob Kerrey.
He was married on Aug. 3, 1965 at the Columban’s Catholic Church in Chillicothe to Sharon Peery, who survives of the home. After retirement, the couple traveled extensively, taking many trips to Europe as well as traveling throughout the United States and Canada in their motor home. In addition to travel and military history, he enjoyed model trains, collecting and displaying Christmas nativities, supporting the activities of Boy Scout Troop 121 and distributing aluminum crosses throughout the world.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a a son, Mark Rupp, of Kansas City and a sister, Marjorie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Johnny.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scout Troop 121 and left at the funeral home.