David Anthony Zachritz, 47, of Steelville, MO passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at the Golden Living Center in St. James. He was born to H. Sheldon and Wilma J. (Coffman) Zachritz on December 3, 1961. In 1980 he graduated from Fort Zumwalt in O'Fallon and was the president of the National Honor Society. He held a B.A. in Environmental Science from Drake University in Iowa. He worked as culinary chef in Branson, Springfield and other locations. David was a member of the order of DeMolay, Masonic Lodge of Wentzville, MO, a member of the Shrine and a Shrine clown. He was an executive chef with the American Culinary Association and past president of the Missouri State Board of Sanitarians. In 2001, he was Rookie of the Year for EPHS. In 1991, David was the winner of the National Kellogg New Recipe Award and wrote a cookbook for his sister, Shelly. He loved listening to music, playing trivia games and restoring classic Dodge cars. He will be sadly missed by his father, Sheldon Zachritz of Cuba, MO; one sister, Shelly Tash and husband Bob of Orlando, FL; uncle, Clark Baker of O'Fallon, MO; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Zachritz. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Masonic services were conducted by the Lebanon Lodge #77 of Steelville at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville with Rev. Larry Johnson officiating. Special music of "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend" was played. Casket bearers were David Johnson, Mike Johnson, Mike West, Tom Dalen, Kent Swyers and Ken Lynch. Committal prayer and burial were in the Sanders-Huzzah Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Shriner's Children's Hospital. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.