Col. David H. Souser

Col. David H. Souser, U.S. Army, Retired, died Friday, June 2, 2006 in Gulfport, after a long battle with cancer. Col. Souser was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 4, 1926. He received a Bachelor of Education degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1951 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY in 1965. Col. Souser was also a graduate of the military's General Staff College and the National War College. Col. Souser's military career included participation in World War II, fire direction officer for field artillery units in Korea and deputy province senior advisor for Bac Lieu Province in Vietnam. Col. Souser's staff assignments included project manager of the STINGER Air Defense Missile System and Comptroller of Ft. Bliss Texas. His decorations include the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, The Bronze Star with V-device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. He was awarded the Army General Staff Identification Badge and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He participated in two campaigns in Korea and four campaigns in Vietnam. Col. Souser retired from the Army in 1976. After retirement from the Army, Col. Souser then taught accounting in the School of Business at the State University of New York in Geneseo, NY for eight years. Col. Souser was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents, David W. and Delores G. Souser; his eldest son, David W. Souser, II; and his granddaughter, Jacquelyn R. Souser. Col. Souser is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan T. Souser; sons, Carl, Stephen, and Paul-John; and five grandchildren, David, Joanna, Alexandria, Andrew and Stephen. The family would like to express gratitude to his doctors; Dr. Alexander, Dr. Baker, Dr. Carter, Dr. Bernhiem, and Dr. Rubbio, who cared for him. They are also grateful for the hospice care given to him by the Memorial Hospital Hospice group. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gulfport where friends may visit from 9 a.m. until the Mass. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. The family prefers memorials to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12290 DePew Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.