David Roy Loucks, 89, of De Soto died May 27, 2026, at his home. Mr. Loucks attended Bolivar High School, where he was co-captain of his football and wrestling teams, earning the distinction of undefeated in football in 1952. When he wasn’t on the field, he was likely indulging in his love for adventure and nature, spending summers fishing on Black Lake and sleeping in one of his Uncle Ray’s cabins at Camp Carol. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, 11th Airborne Division, from 1955 to 1958. Combining his passion for planes with his mind for mathematics, he went on to serve 35 years with the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center in St. Louis as a cartographer and computer programmer, creating topographic maps for F-15 fighter jets. He attended several colleges and obtained multiple degrees and certifications. Committed to his family and deepening his faith, he was known as an example of determination, resilience and strength to those close to him. His personal motto was “Endeavor Forever,” as he believed that endeavor is the catalyst behind the drive for all things to move forward, expand, affect change and grow. Born May 16, 1937, in Ceres, N.Y., near the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, he was the son of the late Roy and Edrie Loucks.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Catherine; two sons: Douglas (Kara) and Ronald (Lori); two daughters: Suzanne (Ben Patwa) Codiga and Elizabeth (Jeff) Bach; a sister: Valerie Konert; 10 grandchildren: Mikaela, Anna, Aidan, Maria, Kathryn (Ben), Samantha (Billy), Emily (Noah), Sarah, Vivian and Dash; and two great-grandchildren: Grace and Jane, and three more on the way.
He was preceded in death by four sisters: Betty, Elaine, Molly and infant Edrie Jane.
Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. until services at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1004 Rock Road, in De Soto, officiated by Ryan Sutton. Memorials may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) at apdaparkinson.org/. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto.