David L. 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; 16 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.