Dr. Dan De La Cruz

Dr. Danilo “Dan” Orcilla De La Cruz, age 72 of Altenburg, Missouri passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born February 1, 1948 in Manila, Philippines the son of Tiburcio Y. De La Cruz and Juanita Orcilla De La Cruz. He married Sherry Harris on April 29, 1972.   

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Ateneo De Manila University, Philippines; a Master of Science and a PHD (Physical Organic Chemistry), from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. During his working career he worked for DuPont, James River Corporation, Nordenia USA, and one of his greatest joys was being a teacher/professor in Chemistry at Southeast Missouri State University. His love of teaching could be seen in his dedication to inspire his students to aspire higher than what they thought they could achieve, and to realize the value of hard work. His students must have enjoyed his enthusiasm and passion for his work because he was selected best professor 4 times.

Dr. Dan liked his Hawaiian shirts, cowboy hats, singing, laughing and great food. He touched so many lives. Dr. Dan would light up a room when he entered with a smile and a laugh. He had a strong and sincere faith which he would share with everyone he met.  He was an inventor, missionary, teacher, a father and so much more. You were loved and will be deeply missed.

Dr. Dan was a founding member of GNCC Team Jesus a mission team that traveled to the Philippines and other Asian countries to share Jesus with local high school students. He also was actively involved with the Gideon’s International organization serving as the current president of the Cape chapter.

Dr. Dan is survived by his loving wife Sherry of over 48 years; eleven children and 12 grandchildren, April Suzanne (Dean) Jones and children Haley and Dawson; Tony (Crisette) De La Cruz; Lilah Brevik and children Jasmine and Taylor; Terry De La Cruz; Katrina De La Cruz (Tim O’Dom) and children; Keiko and Kira; Helen (Jonathan) Millson and  children Jadin and Kalia; Dina (Matt) Trahan and children Caleb and Isaac; Joy (Justin) Keller and son Oliver; Violet De La Cruz; Suzie (Scott) Owen and daughter Presley; and Belle De La Cruz;  five siblings, Fred, Yolly, Fernando, JoJo, and Ranchie De La Cruz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two siblings, Rudy and Cristina.

Visitation will be Monday, December 28, 2020 from 12-2:00 pm at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral Service will be Monday at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Mike Parry officiating. Burial will follow in New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery near Pocahontas.

Face mask are required for visitation and funeral.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute tab of Dr. Dan’s personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dr. Dan may be given to Gideon’s International, Cape Girardeau, MO.

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