David Paul Mueller of De Soto, MO, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those he loved.
Some carry the weight of duty quietly; David carried it well.
David Paul Mueller, age 88, of De Soto Missouri, died on April 29th 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
David was born on May 3rd 1937 in De Soto to Roscoe and Helen Mueller, the eldest of their three sons. He often reminisced about his early years growing up on his grandparents' farm and had a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and a skilled gardener. He took pleasure in birdwatching, whether in the many feeders just outside his window or searching for eagles along the Mississippi River.
David founded Mueller Motors along with his father and brother Jerry. Together with his wife Joyce, they grew the business into one of the area's leading providers of small engine and automotive repairs as well as winning recognition as a distributor of Wheel Horse tractors. He took great pride in repairing what was broken and making it useful again.
David had a deep faith and was a lifelong member of Hope United Church of Christ. He served on the consistory for many years. From repairs to clean up day to stirring cauldrons of apple butter, he was devoted to serving others. He volunteered at the food pantry and reached out to provide for the less fortunate.
He was a leader in the community and served on the De Soto Chamber of Commerce. He also served in the Air Force National Guard.
After selling the business, he spent his retirement traveling, gardening and fishing. He made annual forays with his fishing buddies to remote regions of Ontario. David and Joyce toured Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and many other destinations in the US.
David is fondly remembered as a generous soul with a big heart and a big laugh. Family, whether blood relations or extended to his many dear friends, was always his top priority.
He is survived by Joyce, his devoted wife of 67 years, son Gary (Cindy Gerlach), daughter Tracy (Jason Sells), and his granddaughters Alison (Matt Crump), Madeleine (Michael Korb) and Sylvia (Ross Klink). He is preceded in death by his parents and by his two brothers Glenn and Jerry.
Services are at Dietrich Funeral Home on May 2nd with the visitation at 11 AM and funeral at 2 PM. There will be a brief graveside service immediately following at De Soto City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Hope United Church of Christ or the De Soto Food Pantry.
Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home serves Desoto, Hillsboro, Festus, Herculaneum, and Olympian Village with funeral and cremation services. Our mission at Dietrich-Mothershead is to help you create an event for your loved one that celebrates the choices they made, the relationship you shared, and honors the memory of your loved one.
