David Grant East, Sr.
November 9, 1930 – September 24, 2025
David Grant East, Sr., 94, of Imperial, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A true fighter, David faced Alzheimer’s, congestive heart failure, an aortic aneurysm, valve stenosis, kidney disease, and multiple battles with colon and prostate cancer. Through it all, his strength, faith, and love for life carried him far beyond the odds.
David was born on November 9, 1930, in Alicia, Arkansas, to Edith Leona (Neel) East and William Norm East. He grew up in Egypt, Arkansas, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse taught by his grandmother. From an early age, he learned the values of hard work and resilience, helping on local farms and enjoying fishing, hunting, and playing baseball. His talent on the field led him to the Cardinal farm leagues in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he met Major League Baseball great Stan Musial. At Stan’s encouragement, David traveled to St. Louis at age 19 to try out for the Cardinals. Though offered a minor league position, he chose a different path and began his career as a switchman with the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
In 1952, David married Bessie Harris and was later drafted into the Korean War at age 25. He served four years in Alaska, where his first daughter, Cheryl Ann, was born in 1956. After completing his service, he returned to St. Louis, resumed his railroad career, and welcomed his second daughter, Beverly Sue, in 1957.
In 1961, David married Ada Darlene “Darlene” Harris, his wife of 49 years. Together they built a loving home and welcomed three more children: David G. East Jr. (born 1962), Douglas M. East (born 1964), and Dawn R. East (Baldesi) (born 1966). David also cared deeply for family beyond his immediate household, taking guardianship of his youngest brother, Ronald East, and his niece, Deborah L. East, whom he raised like a daughter. Family was at the heart of everything he did.
A man of faith, integrity, and kindness, David was known for his harmonica playing, his love of baseball, and his passion for the outdoors. He cherished weekends at the lake, casting a line, and tending to his gardens. Above all, he will be remembered as a dedicated family man whose life was rooted in love, strength, and generosity.
David is survived by his children: Cheryl Ann East, Beverly Sue East Blacksher (Mike), Douglas East (Barb) and Dawn East Baldesi (Thomas); His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lit up his life: Nathan Blacksher (Chrissy): Skyler, Zarina, & Lincoln
Jamien (Claude) East: Dustin, Mateo, & Alexis Christopher East (Patricia): Isabella & Olivia Erica Cheatham Ruehle (Nathan): Avery, Hunter, Jaxon, & Beaux Caleb Blacksher (Lindsay): Jude & Max David East III (Kimmie): Loralai, Reilly, & Anabelle Granddaughter-in-law Tavessa (the late Jacob Blacksher): Korben Daniel Baldesi (Brenda) Brandi Baldesi Marconi (Carlo): Gillyanna & Mark Allen Marissa Baldesi Barham (Justin): Sawyer & Henry
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ada Darlene East; his son, David East II; his niece/daughter, Deborah L. East; his grandson, Jacob Blacksher; and his parents and siblings.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 3:00–4:00 PM for family, and open to caring friends and loved ones from 4:00–7:00 PM at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, MO 63129. His funeral service will follow on Friday, October 3, at 8:30 AM, with burial and military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 9:30 AM.
David’s legacy of love, perseverance, and faith will live on in all who knew him.