David L. Rau

     Born March 24, 1947, David L. Rau passed away April 25, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father (William Ellsworth Rau), his mother (Lily Pauline Sarah Rau), and his brother (Mark W. Rau).  

     David leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Janice Rau; son, Damon Rau and daughter-in-law Monica Rau; granddaughters Mallory Hann and Husband Nathan Hann and Dakota Rau; son Jason Rau and daughter-in-law Becca Rau; grandson Asher Rau and granddaughter Brinleigh Rau; daughter Abby Turner (Rau) and son-in-law Mark Turner; grandson Desmond Turner and granddaughter Lillian Turner; great-grandchildren Caydence Washington, Aria Haan, Kassius Hann and Eziekiel Hann; sister, M. Christina Robinson; and a host of many other family and friends.  

     David spent his earliest years in Warrensburg, Illinois working on the family farm.  These years built up his strong work ethic and integrity which he was known for throughout his life.  He attended Oral Roberts University where he met and married Janice on September 6, 1968. He cared greatly for his country and served in the National Guard for 6 years. David always believed he’d been born in the wrong century and dreamed of being a mountain man with his own homestead.  This dream meant his wife and children lived through several experiments including owning goats for milk and rabbits that were not meant as pets.  He was bestowed with the nickname, Backwoods, to honor that dream.  

    David was a master craftsman known for his beautiful and meticulous work.  His reputation was well known wherever he worked.  He loved being active and enjoyed running, biking and sailing throughout his life. His beautiful voice blessed both family and friends and he loved singing in choirs from a young age.  His home and life was filled with music and his family and friends will cherish the memories of his voice as a soundtrack to their lives. David also cherished the written word and spent a lifetime building a large home library.  He loved collecting, reading and being surrounded by his books.  He was never far from them and was so often found with a book in his hands.  

   His greatest joy was his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  He was so proud of their accomplishments and watching them grow. 

   While full of sorrow and a deep longing for more time with their husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, his family and friends rejoice in knowing he is now home in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He loved the Lord deeply and read his bible every day.  It’s a comfort to know his waiting is over and he’s now whole and at rest with his Lord.   

   Funeral services will be held at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark on May 1st, 2024, with Pastor Richard Rhoades officiating.  Visitation will be at 10 am with funeral services at 11. Burial to follow at Selmore Cemetery, Ozark. 

   In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ozark building fund.