David Russell Bogardus

David was known for his honesty, directness, and his take care of business attitude. David was a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was worth investing the time to listen. He often boasted of his children, sharing his pride on Facebook. David was known to protect and defend his family, seeking to right any wrongdoing done to those he loved. He could also be known to “spin” a story, but it was always exciting, and it was up to you to determine the factual pieces of that story. The grin often gave it away.

David Russell Bogardus, age 80, of Schell City, Missouri, passed at CMH Memorial on November 28, 2024. He was born in Syracuse, New York, to Walter Francis Bogardus and Violet Mae (Wiggins) Bogardus on June 16, 1944.

David enlisted in the United States Army after getting permission from his parents as he was under the age of eighteen. David served two tours, from 1962 until 1968. He completed basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and was stationed in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. He was an E5 Sergeant in the 68th and 76th Engineering Divisions.

David met Cheryl in 1966 on a blind date while home on leave. In 1967, again on leave, they married at a family friend’s house. That commitment of “until death do us part” spanned 58 years. David and Cheryl quickly started their family in 1967 with the birth of their first daughter Tonya, then in 1969 added a son Tim, followed by another daughter Jessica in 1972, and daughter Denice in 1973.

While David was proud of his children and the family he raised, his favorite role was that of a grandparent and great-grandparent. With each additional generation of children added to the family tree, you found David, known as Papa, growing into a softer version of himself. Those behaviors he once disciplined were now met with laughs and smiles. David enjoyed those hugs, sticky kisses, sneaking candies, and afternoon naps with the grandchildren.

David always had a soft spot for furry friends. Pets were always a part of the Bogardus family. From coon dogs to Heinz 57s, big and small, he had them all. The pet that won his heart was Jo, a registered cocker spaniel that he would share human treats, naps, and drives through the wildlife conservation with.

David’s work career always involved his hands. After service in the military, he returned home to Schell City where he worked in farming. As the family grew, he turned to Road and Bridge Construction. Those projects are found locally in the Taberville and Schell City bridges, and various flood easement bridges in Bates and Vernon County. David was involved in the development of the Kansas City International Airport, helping with the construction of the runways. When the 1992 microburst hit Nevada, and the replacement of the WF Norman roof was under construction, he crossed paths with Mr. Quinto, who hired him full-time. David worked at WF Norman’s for 30 years until his retirement in 2020 at the age of 76.

David was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Violet Bogardus. David is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of the home; sisters: Beverly Coons, New York, Florence Bogardus, Idaho, and Jessica Boradori, Idaho; daughter, Tonya Cliffman, Moundville, MO; son, Tim Bogardus, and wife, Misty, Schell City, MO; daughter, Jessica Volkman, and husband, Kenny, Nevada, MO; and daughter, Denice Diehl, and husband, Aaron, Schell City, MO. David was also loved by twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

A visitation for David will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. David will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Wreaths Across American for Ft. Scott National Cemetery or the Schell City Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Online condolences may be left at: www.blandhackleman.com.