David A. "Dave" Elmore

David Allen “Dave” Elmore, 67, of Lebanon, passed away on September 4, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis surrounded by his family and with the love of many.

Dave was born on April 18, 1959, in Belleville to Wayne and Jeanette Elmore. He was a graduate of Belleville West High School.

With a career spanning 5 decades in the local trucking industry, Dave spent much of his time investing in relationships. His home away from home was picking up or delivering parts directly to many customers. After dabbling in parts, operations management, and leadership roles, he transitioned into parts sales. Dave was known for showing up early and often spending time behind the sales counter. He advocated on behalf of his customer base and was a fan favorite among them. Dave enjoyed drinking coffee with whoever was willing to stop and have a conversation. His coffee cups were scrawled with part numbers and left in break rooms, cars, trucks, and service counters. He was known to carry parts around in his truck or running to a nearby state for a customer pickup. The impact of his service and leadership will remain felt by those who knew him.

Dave spent a lot of time watching his loved ones play sports. Oftentimes arriving far too early because he was “in the area”; he enjoyed watching adult rec league. He could be found in the green seats at Busch Stadium talking to an usher, watching a St. Louis City game or just hanging out around the concessions at a youth basketball, soccer, or softball games. Dave’s yard was his pride and joy. He took care of the landscaping and was especially proud of his reindeer which came outside every Christmas Season.

Dave spent his holidays and vacations with those he loved the most. He was the best movie buddy. Teaching was a powerful theme throughout his life whether he was teaching his girls how to drive, throw a ball, hit a free throw, or manage a math test. The impact of his service and leadership will remain felt by those who knew him. Dave was consistently known for providing a meal, throwing a 5, pack of diapers, or a tank of gas at those around him. He loved Hallmark movies or crying at an episode of Law and Order - SVU.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Jeanette and Ron Nedved; father, Wayne Elmore; brothers, Mike and Jim Elmore; and his father and mother-in law, Paul and Marlene Gross.

Dave is survived by his wife, Susan (Gross) Elmore; daughters Kellie (Francisco Rodriguez) Elmore and Jaclyn (Noelle) Elmore; he was Papa Dave to his grandchildren, Alesund (Kellie and Kiko), Remington and Stetson (Jaclyn and Noelle); brothers and sisters, Dennis Elmore, Cindy (Dennis) Shipman, Wayne (Rhonda) Elmore, and Lisa (Mike) Parciak; extended family members, Tyann, Paula, and Jennifer Gross, Clara Elmore, Mary Siebert, Karen Elmore, Cristina and Eli Rodriguez; godparent to Katie (Derick) Kruger and Joey (Lydia) Schmidt; he was Uncle Dave to many nieces and nephews; a friend to all; and a stranger to no one.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

Memorial Visitation: Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at St. Paul UCC in Lebanon, IL

Memorial Service: Friday, September 11, 2026, 11:00 am, at St. Paul UCC in Lebanon, IL

Clergy: Rev. Bob Goddard, Pastor

As Dave did for his family - prior to the service please ensure the cars are washed!

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL