David D. Scherr

David D. Scherr, 81, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Dekalb Medical Center, Decatur, Ga., on Friday, June 3, 2016, from respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia. David entered hospice care and was making his medical decisions until the end. He died as he lived, with grace and courage David was born in Columbia, Mo., October 15, 1934, the only child of Elliott Brown and Ruth DeLano Scherr. He attended school at the University of Missouri for 20 years, from kindergarten through medical school, graduating in 1959. He obtained an MS and Ph.D in microbiology while completing his internship and residency in orthopedics at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. He served his country as a staff orthopedist in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1969 then was a Professor of Orthopedics and Microbiology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine 1969-1975. David was in private practice in orthopedics in Colorado Springs, Colo., 1976-1979 and Jefferson City, Mo., 1979-1994. He completed his orthopedic career as a specialist with Missouri Correctional Medical Services, 1994-1997. David was a member of numerous honor and professional societies during his career. He continued his pursuit of knowledge as an active member of Learning in Retirement in Jefferson City. David will be remembered for his unfailing Christian joy, his quick wit and sense of humor, his compassionate heart and generosity and as a legendary story teller. He was a loving husband and devoted father, a true gentleman and wonderful friend. He will be profoundly missed by family and friends. David is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Scherr, Atlanta, Ga.; children, Christopher Scherr, Carbondale, Colo., Elizabeth Duffy, husband Tom grandchildren, Earl, Lily and Evelyn, Denver, Colo.; Matthew Scherr, wife Diana, grandchildren, Piper and Duncan, Vail, Colo.; step-children, Suzanne Gates Shields, husband Patrick, grandchildren, Aidan and Ana, Atlanta, Ga.; Patrick Gates, wife Meghan, grandson, Arlo, San Francisco, Calif.; and his faithful companion of 18 years, Rio, an African gray parrot. A memorial service will be held at Shallowford Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Ga., at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 25, with internment at Belefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo., at a later date. Memorials are suggested to: White Coat Advancement Fund MU School of Medicine Advancement Office One Hospital Drive, DC 205.00 Columbia, MO 65201 Online via: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/Item.aspx?item_id=157