David Robert Rasse passed away at his home early Christmas morning, December 25, 2022. Dave was diagnosed with the hepatitis C virus, geno type 2B in 2003. Per David’s request, it is to be acknowledged that his death was due to multiple complications which evolved during and following treatment for the hepatitis C virus.
David was born on April 29, 1955, in Independence, Missouri, and was adopted by John Harrison and Virginia Ruth (Green) Rasse. He was raised in Marshall and graduated high school in 1973. David attended Central Missouri State University (CMSU), completing undergraduate studies in Psychology and Political Sciences in 1979. Taking a break from school, David was employed by Williams Rock Company, in Clinton, Missouri. He returned to graduate study, again at CMSU, earning a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology in 1984. Initially David worked as a drug & alcohol counselor in Clinton then Sedalia, Missouri, before returning to Marshall to establish David R. Rasse & Associates, Inc. Under the tutelage of his grad school professors, Dave was introduced to the American Counseling Association and its broad spectrum of national and state mental health affiliates. Throughout his counseling career he welcomed every opportunity to continue learning of new and dynamic research information to enhance his practice. He gave of himself within professional associations, serving at various capacities on committees and boards of his peers. David especially enjoyed sharing with, training of and mentoring to his fellow therapists. David was a prominent advocate in support of State Licensure for Professional Counselors in Missouri – fruition, receipt of his Licensed Professional Counselor status in April of 1987. David served his rural communities with great devotion and pride. When there was a need for local psychiatric services, he sponsored a monthly psychiatric clinic in Marshall. This continued until he and other rural mental health agencies entered into an agreement with Missouri University of Columbia, School of Psychiatry, to send psychiatrists and psychiatric fellows to fill the need – the need was greater than imaginable, evolving into an everyday service. David stepped in to manage the Virginia Rasse farms and properties when there was a need, a role he loved and took pride in for many, many years. He found a diverse group of agriculturalists located throughout the country and was stimulated with conversations in all arenas, no-holds-barred.
Colorado’s Frying Pan River Valley was truly “home” to Dave from an early age. He eagerly awaited the annual Green families’ summertime adventures there. As a child, David made acquaintance with a family from Denver (Wayne, Mary, Mike, Sharon and Ray Young) at the Riley Ranch. As kindred spirits do, they were bound together from the heart and soul. David mastered the fine art of top water dry fly trout fishing having been mentored by Wayne and years of practice.
David met his soul mate, Jerri Lou Williams, one hazy autumn evening in 1975 while they were both attending CMSU. They were married on July 31, 1976, the year of America’s Bi-Centennial Celebrations. To this union three children were born; daughter, Robin Rene’ in 1980, son, John Matthew in 1982, and daughter, Jessica Aaron in 1985.
Although David was blessed with talents and abilities that seemed to far exceed what any one human being should be gifted, he was genuinely humble. David was once told that he was a god, and he really was – “good ol’ Dave”! He smiled from his soul. He loved with all his heart. He kicked up some dust ‘n gravel when agra-cruising. He was a cellist. He was a pool shark. He played cribbage and spades. He loved to go plunking, especially with Jerri Lou. He hunted mushrooms, deer and trespassers. He was enriched by philosophical discussions. He was an American patriot. He preferred a solid handshake over a signed agreement any day of the week. He loved summer sweet corn and homemade ice cream equally. His most precious treasure was his family.
David is survived by his wife Jerri, children Robin (Brennan), Matthew (Nicole) and Jessica (Kolton); grandchildren Makayla, Jackson, Baron, Nora, Norah, Meredith and Cole; sister Marilyn Dodd; nephew Ed (Melissa) Dodd, niece Marian (Jeff) Kling; grand niece and nephews Olivia and Johnny Kling and Owen Dodd; half brother Tom (Sharon) Ferman and half sister Elaine Rose; and several cousins and a couple “cuz-fusions”.
The family will have a day in the spring. At this time the family would ask that if you would like to leave a memorial in memory of David, that it be made to: Child Safe of Central Missouri, 102 E. 10th St., Sedalia, MO 65301.