David Allen “Dave” Norvell, Sr., 80, of Wildwood, MO passed peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:45 am at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, with family by his side.

He was born on July 10, 1944, to Dewey and Clara (Kunkel) Norvell in Quincy, IL. He married Gloria Najar on March 3, 1964, in Fort Hood, TX. On April 7, 1979, he married Katherine Keys “Kathy” Reed at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church in Webster Groves, MO. They remained married for 45 years.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, children Katie (Willa) Norvell of Chicago, IL, David (Katherine) Norvell, Jr., John Norvell and James Norvell of Saint Louis, his grandchildren David, Gemma, and Emmett Norvell, and stepdaughter Delores Ann Desormeaux. He is also survived by his siblings: Dwight (Maggie) Norvell of Kirkland, IL; Chuck Norvell of Albany, GA; Marge Ackers of Columbus, OH; Clara Billingsley of Industry, IL; Patricia (Ed) Hopkins of Sherman, IL; and Cheryl (Gary) Bent of Petersburg, IL, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as siblings Tony Norvell, Dan Norvell, Marie Billingsley, Jerry Norvell, and Jim Norvell, son Merrill James Woods, Jr., brothers-in-law Douglas Reed, Donald Billingsley, Morris “Ike” Billingsley and Kenneth Ackers, and sister-in-law Janice Norvell.

After finishing high school in Brown County, IL, Dave served in the United States Army from 1961-1964, stationed in Fort Hood, TX. Following his military service he worked at FS in Rushville, IL before going to work for the Ohio River Company running barges up and down the Mississippi. He met his wife Kathy in Saint Louis, where they married and started their family. Dave had a rewarding career working for Saint Louis County Parks and Recreation, where he was able to utilize his many skills and love for the outdoors. He retired as Park Supervisor at Faust Park in 1999 to the family farm in Cook Station, MO, where he spent many wonderful years with family and friends enjoying the land and the life he built there.

Dave loved his family dearly and his greatest joy in life was being a father and grandfather. He was a man who believed in living life to the fullest and being exactly who you want to be. He loved to rise early, make his coffee, and sit on the front porch watching his beloved hummingbirds visit the many feeders he kept carefully filled. He was a strong, smart, and creative problem solver with a vast array of talents, ranging from artistic endeavors like his carving and woodworking to more practical things like building a house, tending a farm, cutting wood, finding the best morel mushrooms each spring, and preparing delicious breakfasts. His wide smile, twinkling eyes, and infectious laugh put those around him at ease, and he loved all in his life without judgment or condition. He will be sorely missed by all who carry the memory of his love and laughter in their hearts.

A Service of Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 14, at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Chapel Presbyterian Church in Wildwood, MO. All are welcome to attend to celebrate, share stories, and honor his memory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.