David Ronald Gleason
June 22, 1960 - August 8, 2025

David Ronald Gleason, 65, of Springfield, MO passed away Friday, August 8, 2025. He was the oldest of three sons born to Jerry Ronald and Jane (Shanahan) Gleason on June 22, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family traveled extensively and called many places home. They settled in Colorado, and he graduated from Wheatridge High School in 1978. He attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas and had fond memories of being in the College Choir and their tour in Sweden.

He met Karen Sanderson, and they married on January 10, 1987, in Loveland, Colorado and later enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his 20 years of service the family moved to California, Maryland, Texas and Connecticut. Wherever they were the family made lifelong friends in their churches and communities. Dave and Karen settled in Leavenworth, Kansas after their military journeys came to an end.

Dave's lifelong fascination with trains began as a child lining up matchboxes and scooting them along the floor. His love of baseball was prompted by his dad being a pitcher for the Denver Bears and Dave was thrilled to be able to throw an opening pitch for the KC Royals on Sept 3, 2016. Being married to a Sanderson he became a "Swede by pollution" and always enjoyed trips back to Lindsborg and the family's heritage.

After losing Karen to cancer in 2015 he was also diagnosed with cancer. But in the midst of grief and his own treatment schedule he found joy again when he met Renee Becraft and moved to Springfield, Missouri.

Preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Karen Gleason, father, Jerry Gleason, and brother, Jeff Gleason.

Dave is survived by three daughters Jacquie Edie (Dave Giannasi) of Green Valley, Arizona, Jennifer (Joey) Koonce Pleasanton, Kansas and Stephanie (Nicholas) De La Cruz of Charleston, South Carolina; and nine grandchildren (Mychal Dole, Charlotte, Gabriel, Raphael, Daniel and Carmen De La Cruz, Sabree, William and Trenton Koonce,); Renee Becraft; mother, Jane Gleason, Littleton, Colorado; brother Bill (Deanne) Gleason, Dillon, Colorado; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2026 with inurnment in Lindsborg, Kansas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.