John David "Dave" Croessmann, 75, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 29, 2024, after a decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Dave was born to John and Norma Croessmann on March 23, 1949, in Du Quoin, Illinois, and grew up in Missouri, primarily in Jefferson City. He was a 1967 graduate of Jefferson City Senior High School and went on to attend the University of Missouri (Mizzou) where he obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1971. After realizing accounting was not for him, Dave pursued a career in business law after earning his Juris Doctor from Mizzou in 1977. During his high school and college years, Dave excelled at playing the trumpet, which inspired his love of jazz and helped cultivate his incredible appreciation of music.

His career brought him to Springfield where he was known to practice law with honesty, integrity, fairness, and compassion. Many of Dave's loyal clients and law partners became lifelong friends due to his commitment to their well-being throughout a career that spanned over 40 years.

Dave married Delia Walston in 1985 in Springfield and from this union their daughters, Olivia and Caroline, were born. He was a devoted father, known for his presence at their sporting events and recitals and for influencing his daughters' love for adventure and travel through planning unforgettable family trips. When you think of the ideal father, that was Dave — he was strong, funny, witty, athletic, intelligent, comforting and encouraging.

Dave loved music of many genres, nature, hiking, reading, philosophy, and travel. He was very sociable and enjoyed meeting up with friends for a beer and conversation or to explore Springfield's downtown music scene. Dave was intentionally open-minded but with a strong streak of stubbornness, and that stubbornness kept him independent and brave for many years after his Parkinson's diagnosis. He never gave up.

Dave's memory is honored and kept alive by his beloved friend for life, Delia Croessmann; his loving daughters, Olivia (Branden) Bentley and Caroline (Trevor) O'Hara; his sister, Jane (Mary Jo Arthur) Croessmann; and many extended family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12 at Roselawn Memorial Park, 3801 Roselawn Drive in Denton, Texas. Dave will be laid to rest on this day, followed by a reception at the family's residence in Denton. The family will also hold a Celebration of Life for Dave in Springfield, Missouri at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Phelps Grove Park, 950 E. Bennett Street. Bring your stories and memories of Dave and celebrate a life well-lived. More details to come.

In a fitting tribute to a man who educated himself about Parkinson's disease and fought to maintain his strength and independence, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation . We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from friends and family during this difficult time.