David V. Grass‚ Jr. was born on October 4‚ 1974 in Ste. Genevieve‚ Missouri to David‚ Sr. and Sharon Grass. He married Paula (Gettinger) Grass on October 2‚ 1999. David and Paula had two children; Collin‚ age 9 (born July 7‚ 2001) and Alissa‚ age 5 (born May 5‚ 2005).

David’s world revolved around his two children. There was never a time that David wouldn’t stop what he was doing to talk to or entertain his kids. He was completely in love with his children and would do anything to bring a smile to their faces. There were many evenings that David would turn the radio up and dance through the living room with Collin and Alissa. The sounds of giggling would fill the house‚ as the family made happy memories. David was a one-of-a-kind father. He was the type of dad that most kids only dream of…

David graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School in 1993 and was employed at a local lime company‚ which he worked at for fifteen years. David loved his job‚ but often said that he wasn’t fulfilled by it. He wanted to ‘better’ himself while impacting the lives of people in his community. David would always put others before himself. He would never hesitate to help a family member‚ a friend‚ or even a stranger. He was sort of a jack of all trades‚ and could fix almost anything. His love and respect that he had for people is what inspired him to become a firefighter. He was committed to the department and loved the ‘rush’ and the gratitude that the volunteer job offered. David was involved with the Ste. Genevieve Fire Department for less than a year‚ but left his inspiration and determination behind.

David was a quiet‚ yet well rounded individual. He was very loyal to his friends and family and loved the company they provided. In the summers‚ David enjoyed going camping with his family and playing horseshoes. He was a fairly good horseshoe thrower and absolutely loved competition. In the fall and winter‚ David’s interests shifted to the outdoors and football. He would like to go to his ‘quiet place’ in the woods‚ whenever possible‚ and reflect on life while hunting for a big deer. On Sundays‚ however‚ David’s focus would be on Cowboy’s football. He was passionate about watching the Cowboys‚ and would get very disappointed when they would lose. People would often find amusement in David’s enthusiasm with the Cowboys.

David lived every day like he would die tomorrow. He had no regrets and always lived life to the fullest. Although David’s life was cut short‚ we thank God every day for the time he was here with us and the memories that we shared. He will continue to live through Collin and Alissa‚ and his love will always be present. He is missed every day by all family and friends.