David Ray Chism

It has been said that it’s not where you start, but where you finish that matters. That is certainly true of a man that I have known since I was 13 years old. On this anniversary of his death one year ago, I am compelled to share this obituary that I wrote for him at that time.

David Ray Chism, 70, was born on April 10, 1955 to Bill and Beula Chism. David passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Carthage Health and Rehab Center, Carthage, MO.

David spent most of his life in and around El Dorado Springs. He was well known as the hard working, full-service fuel attendant with a quick smile at Morlan’s DX Service, then later at Green’s Standard station. When his shift ended each day at the station, he often worked for local farmers, planting, hauling hay and whatever else needed to be done. Later in life, he could be seen working with Ken Daniel in his lawn care business.

After a series of strokes, David lived at El Dorado Springs Residential Care until he was moved to Carthage. He had always hoped to move back to his friends at the El Dorado Springs facility and at First Assembly of God church where he had faithfully attended for several years before his move to Carthage.

David made a profession of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at the church in El Dorado Springs and a noticeable change took place in his life. The beautiful result of God’s forgiveness could be seen weekly at church as fractured relationships were mended and new friends were made along with a newfound respect and friendship that he had with the pastor, Dana Taylor. He daily read his bible and prayed for his children until his death.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Beula.

David and Donna Chism had two children together who survive, David (Tera) Chism of Collins and Dara (Aaron) Pruitt of Osborne, KS. He is also survived by grandchildren, Haedyn, Ryder, Anthony, Zac, Katie Chism and Ky, Tucker and Maggie Pruitt; a sister, Sue (Connie) Baldwin of St. James and a brother, Bobby of the Springfield area; also nieces, nephews and a bunch of cousins and lifelong friends.