David Amelunke

David Amelunke

Our good and faithful servant, David Wayne Amelunke, 62, was called to his heavenly home Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Fontainbleau Lodge, surrounded by loved ones.

The third child and only son of Herman Oscar and Virginia Lee Eaton Amelunke, David was born Jan. 15, 1962, in Cape Girardeau. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit and graduated from Jackson High School.

David was a hard worker who lived a simple life. He didn’t complain, despite his many health challenges. He pushed through the pain and kept right on living. David was a friend to anyone he met. He greeted you with a smile, a witty comment and a laugh.

David most recently worked many years at D-Mart in Fruitland, where he enjoyed meeting new customers and making friends with the regulars. He especially enjoyed his coworkers and daily coffee drinkers. David previously worked for Dana Corp. in Cape Girardeau until 2008.

He was a passionate animal lover. He enjoyed riding horses in earlier years. David had many dogs through the years. His most recent companion, Pooh, will miss him dearly. However, she’s enjoying her new home with his niece, Jennifer.

David volunteered at Fruitland Area Fire Protection District for 20-plus years, where he faithfully served until health issues prevented him from call-outs. He previously volunteered with Gordonville Fire Protection District. It was his honor and privilege to serve the community. He was proud to be part of the 45th anniversary celebration in 2022. The Fruitland Fire Department honored him with a retirement celebration Monday evening, July 22, which was an incredibly perfect night with friends and family. “Davey”, as he was known at the fire station, drove tanker No. 44 for many years. He was honored to receive his No. 3489 helmet at the retirement party. His last words of advice to his peers were, “Be safe.”

David treasured family and still resided in his childhood home until recent weeks.

Loving survivors include his sisters, Clara Dixon (husband Larry) and Judy Blackwell (husband Dan Mathes) of Jackson; nieces, Teresa Birk (Kevin Menz), Jennifer (Van) Smith and Heather Blackwell, all of Jackson; great-nephews, Austin Birk, Brantley Lansing, Ethan Ivester and Presley Blackwell, all of Jackson, and Skylar Lansing of Palmetto, Florida; great-niece, Hope Birk (his fellow horse lover); great-great-nephew, Austin Jared Birk; special friend, Beverly Woodall; and his loyal companion, Pooh.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Virginia Amelunke, and great-nephew, Jared Birk.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Fruitland Area Fire Protection District or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above David’s obituary at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.