In Memory of

David Christopher Stover

January 26, 1945 - April 7, 2023

Obituary

David Christopher Stover departed this world on April 7, 2023.  David was born on January 26, 1945, in Macon, Missouri.  He graduated in 1963 from Bowling Green High School, salutatorian of his class.  David’s education continued when he enrolled into the University of Missouri, from which he graduated with a degree in mathematics and statistics in 1967.  David’s passion and commitment to Mizzou was unrivaled.  Throughout his life, David proudly exhibited his love of MU in the clothing he wore and by displaying Truman the Tiger in his home and office (even naming one of his beloved pets “Truman”).

David served his country in the United States Air Force Weather Wing, during which time he developed his lifelong interest in weather.  David loved to identify cloud formations and was awed by the power and beauty of the atmosphere.  David’s interest in weather stemmed from his love of nature.  David spent the time he could visiting and enjoying places of natural beauty, including vacationing to national parks and hiking local nature trails.

David’s career at MU continued when he enrolled in the law school, receiving his juris doctor in 1974.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Sandra Spence, to whom he was married on October 11, 1975.  In 1977, David and Sandra moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, which they made their home for 45 years.  David practiced law for more than forty years, including as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee, before he retired a partner with the law firm Gunn, Shank & Stover, P.C. in 2018.

David’s many passions kept him active during his retirement.  David’s natural talents enabled him to pursue several interests, which are too numerous to list.  But his love of music, which he acquired from his mother, was lifelong.  David played the French horn since he was a child and continued to perform in various brass ensembles throughout his life.  David’s education was not solely formal, he loved learning and spent his life reading and accumulating knowledge.  But David’s greatest love was for his family, to whom he was unconditionally devoted.  For every holiday, David prepared incomparable feasts for his loved ones to enjoy.

David was beloved by all who were privileged to have experienced his kind and generous spirit.  David is survived by his wife and soulmate, Sandra Stover, his sons C. Spence Stover and Aaron K. Stover, and his siblings Ann Shair and Richard Stover.  He is predeceased by his parents, Norman Stover and Marievelyn Eisenberg Clemens.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at David’s second home, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 1815 N.E. Independence Ave., Lee’s Summit, Mo. 64086, on April 15, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, anybody wishing to honor David make donations to either of the following organizations David loved:  St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and the National Parks Conservation Association.

Condolences

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I stood as David’s Best Man when he vowed to honor and cherish Sandra, then delighted in witnessing his devotion to her and my nephews the rest of his days. I miss you Brother.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. David was a excellent lawyer but most importantly he was a great person.

David was a kind and good man who always made me feel welcome. He will be sorely missed. Much love from the Fisher Family.

Sandra, Aaron and Spence,
We are extremely saddened about the loss of David. He was always so kind and welcoming to our entire family. We are thankful we knew him.
With a lot of love,
Andy, Sarah, Oliver and Owen Brown

My condolences to David’s family. I had such respect for him. He was a lawyer’s lawyer.

From when we met over 30 years ago, until the last time I saw him a few weeks ago, he was nothing but welcoming, kind and generous to me. I’ve been close friends with his son since I was 8, and no matter how obnoxious or flat out terrible I was, his kindness never waivered. I didn’t deserve how great he was, but I certainly appreciate it. I’m going to miss him a ton.

So very sorry for your loss Aaron and family. Prayers for you during this time. Sounds like a grrat man.

Dear Sandra and boys,
My heartfelt condolences to you all. I attended David and Sandra’s wedding in 1975 at my Aunt Laura’s and Uncle Keithley’s home. Wonderful memories of the wedding and love that continued between the two of you. May your memories with your David help you heal, for they will last a lifetime. Thinking you all at this time.
Love you cousin, Sarah

He was always there for me. I think of him when I see an unusual bird, a beautiful sunset and when I work in my garden. A good man whose loss we all feel.

So sad but did enjoy the Mexican visit that we had with David and Sandy a couple of years ago! David was a fun guy and we will both miss him!

My heart broke when I heard that David had passed. We have had so many fun memories over the mini years with Sandra, and even traveled on one of my most fun trips with them. It’s so sad that we won’t be able to have more red wine one more time. I’m so happy though that we got one last dinner in right before hand Godspeed to you, David! You will be missed and so loved for years and years.

David is a life long friend. I will miss him. We will all miss him. We met as freshman at at Mizzou and along with Merrill Watt have been friends for some 60 years. I remember when David was recruited for the Airforce he got a jet ride over Bowling Green and was ecstatic to see his home town from the air. We teased him that he was from Bowling Green, the capital of the world. I remember him visiting my wife and I when we moved into our first home in Valparaiso, IN. He entertained my kids with horseback rides and helped up move logs. He was part of our family and my kids still remember him-the photos are priceless from that visit. He was fun to be with and we had many interesting conversations over the years. He was so proud of his kid. I have many fond remembrances of our times together. The world is a better better place for his time here. I love you Dave.

David was my friend, best friend, loyal friend from the Air Force years ago who I am proud to say will always be with me because whenever I look with interest at the sky and measure the clouds I always think of David. And I hold dear his photo of altocumulus standing lenticular. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known and was intelligent enough to know the value of kindness. I know how he loved his family and how this nurtured him. Though we were miles apart I will miss not having him here in the world.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I hope that over time, the days will get easier.

I love you Sandy. – Christa

I extend my heartfelt condolences. David was a respected colleague, a truly gentle and kind person., and a valued friend. May his memory be a blessing.

Sandra,
I am so thankful our paths crossed so many years ago here in Lee’s Summit! Thank you for sharing David’s passing with me today as our paths crossed once again. I am so sorry. Hold on to and embrace all the great memories you and David shared throughout your marriage.
Take care of you!

Visitation

Langsford Funeral Home
115 SW 3rd St
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

Services

Saturday, April 15, 2023
10:30 a.m. Celebration of Life ceremony
St. Anne's Episcopal Church
1815 NE Independence Ave.
Lee's Summit, MO 4086