David P. Mueller

David P. Mueller of Highlands Ranch, Colorado died Sept 21, 2011, at home, of a cardiac arrest due to complications from mesothelioma. He was 68 years old. He was born March 17, 1943 in Bonne Terre, Missouri, a son of Fred W. and Edna (Weber) Mueller who preceded him in death. David married Patricia Kreitler on September 4, 1966 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. David is survived by his wife Patricia of Highlands Ranch, Colorado along with his beloved dog Billy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Timothy and wife, Lauren, of Thornton, Colorado and his daughter Carrie Cooper and her husband Eric of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; grandchildren Hayden Mueller, Madison Cooper and Cameron Cooper; brothers Robert Mueller of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Thomas Mueller of Bainbridge Island, Washington, Charles Mueller of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Michael Mueller of Florissant, Missouri, and Kenneth Mueller of Des Peres, Missouri; mother in law Norma (Wilson) Kreitler; brother in law Paul Kreitler and his wife, Sandy; and numerous nieces and nephews. David was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Farmington, Missouri and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Major. During the Vietnam War, he was a B52 navigator and bombardier and flew more than 300 missions over enemy positions. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with fourteen oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam); Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters; Nation Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with six service stars; Joint Meritorious Unit Citation; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm; and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was an avid reader, chef and most importantly, a dear friend to his grandchildren. David spent the majority of his retirement as a shepherd to his grandchildren, teaching them to fish, read, ride bike and cook. He was an adventurer and loved frequent travel with his family. The funeral for David P. Mueller will be held on Monday, October 3rd with a Celebration of the Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, 8035 South Quebec Street, in Centennial, Colorado. A burial with full military honors will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery - Pavilion ""C"", at 12:15 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's name to the Mueller Grandkids Scholarship Fund, c/o U.S. Bank for the higher education of his grandchildren. Please share your memories of David and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook.