David Leo Rackers

david rackers
David L. Rackers, 90, of Taos, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born August 18, 1929, in Jefferson City, the son of the late Alvin and Alvina (Hopen) Rackers.

He was a 1948 graduate of Taos High School.

After graduation, David joined the United States Army and served in Korea from 1951-1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

He was united in marriage on June 9, 1956, in Westphalia, to Ann G. Holterman who survives at the home.

David worked with his father at AJ Rackers Heating and Cooling, was an instructor at Nichols Career Center from 1976-1987, was a school bus manager and driver, and was a driver for Carroll Rehma Motors.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, served on the first Blair Oaks School Board, and was a founding member and volunteer firefighter with the Taos Fire Department. He enjoyed trout fishing and collecting antique items especially toy pedal tractors.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Rackers, Taos; six children, Greg “AJ” (Joyce) Rackers, Linn; Dale (DeDe) Rackers, Taos; Doris (Doug) Davis, Westphalia; Helen (Tracy) Haslag, Tebbetts; Thomas (Mary) Rackers, Taos; Chris (Annette) Rackers, Taos; thirteen grandchildren, Andy (Liz) Rackers, Hannah (Bobby) Gawf, Emily (Brendon) Koenigsfeld, Eric (Brandi) Rackers, Brent (Nicole) Davis, Luke Davis, Heather (Spencer) Nanney, Jessica (Zack) Bryant, Paige Haslag, Courtney (Brandon) Raithel, Danielle (John) Lehman, Tanner Wolf, Spencer Wolf; sixteen great-grandchildren and three on the way, and seven siblings, Ruth Wolken, Jefferson City; Paul (Geneva) Rackers, Wardsville; Mary Haaf, Jefferson City; Allen Rackers (Betty Ann), Maryland; Charles (Carol) Rackers, California, MO; Nick (Rosalie) Rackers, Taos; and Ann McClain, Imperial, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Virginia Prenger; and four brothers-in-law, Leonard Wolken, Herb Haaf, Bill McClain, and Leo Prenger.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with the Rev. Michael W. Penn officiating.

Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the church for future improvements.

Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.

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  1. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  2. Oh Dave…he would always call me “Little Sue”! So sorry for your loss, but this man sure lived life to its fullest. Prayers to the family.ߙ

  3. I will always remember him as a school bus driver. I always wondered if his shakiness came from frazzled nerves of dealing with school kids on the bus. He always was in a good mood and willing to talk. He will be missed. We will say prayers for him and his family. Tom, Kathy, & Amanda Henke

  4. Dave was always a man I admired from early on. Kids remember every encounter with adults from early on. I have known this kind man for at least 43-44 years. Never did he not acknowledge me when we met, or fail to stop and be kind to me every single time our paths crossed. That is incredibly rare if you ask me. God Speed Dave. RIP.

  5. So sorry to hear of the loss of Dave. He truly lived life to the fullest and always with a smile on his face. May he rest in peace. With deepest sympathy, Tony and Kathy Rackers

  6. Prayers and deepest condolences to the Rackers family.He will be miss his smile and good heart ❤️ from Robert and Monica Haafߙ

  7. Dave was such a sweet man. He always loved to tell us the story of stopping the bus to pick up Luke for 2nd day of kindergarten. Luke would not get on bus. Dave asked him if he was going to get on. Luke just said “no” and turned around & ran home. Dave had such great smile. He will be missed by many.

  8. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Ann and family. You & Dave are some of my earliest memories. My parents thought so much of both of you. Although I was so scared of Dave when I was a little girl because he was such a big guy and wore such a scary hat. lol It was so go to see you both at auctions many years later and we shared some good laughs about that. Dave was truly a good man. Carol (Wekenborg) Feltrop

  9. My love to Aunt Ann and family. I will always have wonderful memories of Uncle Dave. He had such a great laugh…I can hear it now as I think of him!

  10. We are so sorry for the loss of your grandpa. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Love you all!

  11. I really never got to know him, but, I wanted to say how very sorry I am and I’m sending prayers to the family. God bless you during this difficult time and always. Terri McClain Janes

  12. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Racks at our great-grandson Brooks Nanney baptism we sat with him and ate and even though we had just met he made us feel like we had know him for along time !! So sorry for your loss and prayers for all of you ߙϰߏ»

  13. Our thoughts and Prayers are with your family. Andy has lots of memories of Dave and the family.

  14. Gerry & Carol Lage So sorry to hear about Dave. You have our condolences. Dave was one of a kind, always seemed to have a smile on his face.

  15. Aunt Ann, We carry you and all of Uncle David loved ones and our hearts and prayers. God peace be with each of you

  16. Let me express to Anne and your family my sincere sorrow for your loss. Uncle Dave was a joy to be around and a great co-pilot. I will never forget the weekend I drove you all around in the van. He was always in the front with a smile and encouragement that I was doing a good job. That will always be my fondest memory of him. I am so glad that I had that opportunity to spend time with him. I love you all and will miss him. Connie

  17. So Sorry, Ann—-My Heartfelt sympathy….Sending thoughts, prayers, and love to you and your family.

  18. My condolences to Dale, Doris and Family. Thoughts and Prayers are with your family. Dale Stegeman

  19. So sorry to hear of your loss. Dave’s smile was contagious and he will forever be remembered. Auctions won’t be the same. Thinking of you with prayers and love.

  20. To all of Dave’s Family Dave was a generous and kind man and a Supper Santa Claus. He was Santa for our Family Several times and so excited to do it. Even had his own suit. Will always remember the the Trout Fishing Stories of 1st of March. My boys always asked if Dave would be there! He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace!

  21. He was a decorated veteran from long ago Loyal husband, devoted father, loving grandad don’t you know The Lord has taken him to his celestial home And now his family is all alone But wait, not really! He is with us still His memories and love will continue to fill His family’s lives for many years Through sadness and joy, laughter and tears What a legacy Dave leaves for those he loved Beside the Almighty he will look down from above And sprinkle his grace for his loved ones here Giving them strength from sadness, worry, fear Farewell kind servant you did your best Take care, relax and enjoy the heavenly rest

  22. We are so sorry for your loss. and the loss of Kadens Great Grandfather. Will keep your family in our prayers. From The Hodges Family

  23. I so sorry for the loss of your dad, AJ, and loved ones. My heart goes out to all of your family. He leaves behind a great legacy. Prayers for comfort. Barbara and Dave Boucher

  24. So sorry for your loss. We will keep the whole family in our thoughts and prayers.


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