David L. Tufts, 71, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018. Born to the late James
and the late Virginia (nee Denney) Tufts in Wichita, Kansas.
Loving husband of Lynda (nee Cullen-Jaspers) Tufts; devoted and loving father of
James Tufts and Amelia (Gabe) Tufts with Jeni Tufts, their mother; dearest brother and
brother-in-law to Michael (Bee) Tufts; John (Marianne) Tufts; Teresa (Russ) Mollet;
Patricia (Gary) Bartlett; Stephen (Renee) Tufts; Kristine (Keith) Puellman, Brian (Linda)
Tufts; and Linda (John) Perry. Dear father-in-law of Gabe Batson, step-father of JT, and
loving step-grandfather of Brooklyn, Jazzy, and Devin. Cherished uncle to 24 nieces
and nephews, and 27 grand-nieces and nephews, dear cousin and friend to many.
Dave graduated from Webster Groves High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army
and served in Vietnam. He received the Silver Star (for his gallantry in action against an
enemy of the United States), the Bronze Star Medal (for his heroic service in combat),
the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service
stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Ribbon w/Device (1960), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit
Citation, Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Machine Gun
Bar with Rifle Bar. Dave was a hero. He sacrificed greatly for his country but seldom
spoke of his experience in Vietnam.
Dave loved racing motorcycles and shared his passion with his son, James. He was a
talented mechanic and worked in that capacity for the City of St. Louis until his
retirement.
Dave dearly loved his family and was kind hearted to all. He loved children and was
known by his nieces and nephews as “Uncle Dave the Kiddies Pal” and the “Baby
Whisperer”. After his father passed away in 1978, he was always there for his mother,
Virginia and anyone else in the family who needed help. He had a wonderful sense of
humor. Dave was a loving husband and father, a humble and kind man, who was loved
by all that knew him. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness and humor. Dave will be
greatly missed.
Memorial Visitation on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 3:00pm until the Memorial
Service at 6:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO
63129. Burial will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, December 3, 2018 at Jefferson
Barracks. Procession to Jefferson Barracks will depart from Kutis Funeral Home, 5255
Lemay Ferry Road at 9:30am (arrive at Kutis by 9:15 am). In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.