David Anthony Thaller, 69, of Higginsville, died July 4th in Lexington. 

He was born August 19, 1948 in Higginsville, to Charles and Gertrude (Ordelheide) Thaller.  

He graduated from Higginsville High School and Tarkio College, with a business degree.
He married Betty Sue Kelso on January 3, 1981 in Lexington.

David and Betty owned and operated the Emporium Shops. He also worked as a janitor for Salem UCC and Central Christian Church; and in maintenance for the Higginsville Housing Authority.

David was very active in Scouting and his church, Salem United Church of Christ, serving in a variety of positions over many, many years.
In the Cub Scouts he was a past Den Leader, Cub Master, and Treasurer. 
For Boy Scout Troop 415 he was a past Assistant Scout Leader, Committee Chair Person and Treasurer. 
At the District level, he had served as Big Muddy Unit Commissioner and District Commissioner. 
David was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his lifetime of service and dedication to Scouting, the Heart of America Council awarded him the Silver Beaver Award. It is the highest award they can bestow on an adult volunteer. 
At church, David sang in the choir and served as a past choir director. He was active in the Sunday School program and had served as superintendent. He was a VBS leader for over 20 years, and a sponsor for the Youth on Mission and Youth Fellowship groups. 
He was also a member of the Higginsville Chamber of Commerce and was very active with the Higginsville Jaycees.

He is preceded in death by a brother, Louis Thaller, and his parents.

He is survived by:  
Wife:          Betty
Son:           Anthony Thaller (Karen)       of Pleasant Hill, MO
Daughter:    Stephanie Morton               of Estero, FL 
Brother:      Arthur Thaller                      of Higginsville 
Sister:        Mary Arth                           of Blue Springs

2 Grandchildren:Emmalee and Korbin Thaller 

Visitation will be held Friday, July 6th, from 6-8 pm at Kaiser ~Wiegers Funeral Home

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 7th at 10:30 am at Salem United Church of Christ, officiated by Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris, Pastor and Rev. Liz Deveney, Pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ

He will be buried at the Salem Cemetery

Memorials are suggested to Boy Scout Troop 415

Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home