David W Denzer II

 David W. Denzer II, 75, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, surrounded by family in Champaign-Urbana.

David “Dave” was born in Bloomington on April 21, 1942. He married his love and best friend, Sharon “Sherri” Morrison on Nov. 27, 1966. They shared 51 beautiful years together and had three children.

Dave is survived by his wife, Sherri; four children, Julie Harless, David (Heather), Dana (Jerry) Schull, and Mark; and four grandchildren, Josh, Jesse (Schull), John (Schull-Sterbenz) and Eliana (Schull-Sterbenz). He is also survived by his two brothers, Steve (Becky) and Jim (Diane) Denzer.

Dave was proceeded in death by his parents, David and June Denzer.

Dave graduated from Barber School in 1962 and moved to Champaign and soon became well-known to the downtown community. His first shop was established when he purchased Weir’s Barber Shop in downtown and soon the shop was transformed into Dave’s Barber Shop.

He worked as a barber for over 56 years and loved his clients as his friends. The Depot Barber Shop was formed with his long-time and dear friend, Don Murray, and they worked side by side for 28 years as dueling barbers routing for the Cubs (Dave’s Choice) and Cardinals (Don’s Choice).

Dave was known to friends and family by his sense of humor, quick-wit, work-ethic and kindness. He enjoyed being active in his church, First Baptist Church of Savoy, and his community, which included serving as a Little League coach and Cub Scout Pack Master. He served in the Illinois National Guard. He was a believer of donating blood - he is part of the Six-Plus Gallon Club at the Champaign Blood Bank.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please honor his life and his love for the great outdoors, which he shared with his children, scouts, and church youth, a fund is being established to help provide adventure trips for children. These adventure trips will be led by Dave’s youngest son, Mark, and his outfitter company in Southern Illinois, White Crane and Canoe Rentals and Guide Service (983 MorningGlory Road, Carbondale, IL 62902). Donations to the fund are welcome and greatly appreciated. The church was also a place of passion for Dave, First Baptist Church of Savoy is also accepting donations in Dave’s memory (1602 S. Prospect Ave., Savoy, IL 61874).

Please join the family and friends in sharing memories and photos at Owens Funeral Home (101 N. Elm St., Champaign, IL 61821 in Champaign on Wednesday, April 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. Private burial at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

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