The Rev. J. David Maher

The Rev. J. David Maher, 74, of Westphalia, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Westphalia Hills.

Father David Maher was born on April 7, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of the late Vincent and Gabriella (Spelman) Maher. He had eight brothers: Patrick, Phil, Dennis, Paul, Bill, Dan, Tom and Bob. A brother, Terry Maher, preceded him in death.

Father Maher attended Renick Public School and Slater Public School from 1951-1959. He studied at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary from 1959-1963; Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri from 1963-1971 receiving a Bachelors degree in Philosophy in 1967 and Masters degree in Theology in 1971. Father Maher was ordained to the Holy Priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 5, 1971, at St. Joseph Church in Slater, Missouri, by the Most Reverend Michael F. McAuliffe, Bishop of Jefferson City.

His pastoral assignments were Temporary Associate Pastor, St. Peter Church, Jefferson City and St. Margaret of Antioch, Osage Bend, appointed July 1, 1971; Associate Pastor, St. Peter Church, Marshall, appointed September 1, 1971-September 1974; Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, receiving a second Masters in Religious Education, 1974-1976; Faculty/Instructor of Religion and English, St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, Hannibal, 1975 –1993; Pastor, St. Joseph Church, Canton and Mission of Notre Dame, LaGrange, appointed October 17, 1990-August 16, 1993; Director, Newman Center Kirksville, appointed August 16, 1993-January 1, 1996; Pastor, St. Rose of Lima, Novinger; and Associate Pastor, Mary Immaculate Church, Kirksville, appointed August 16, 1993-July 22, 1994; Pastor, Mary Immaculate Church, Kirksville and St. Rose of Lima, Novinger, appointed July 22, 1994; Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Church, Taos, appointed June 30, 2000; Pastor-designate, St. Peter Church, Jefferson City, appointed July 1, 2009; Pastor, St. Peter Church, Jefferson City, appointed July 1, 2010; Pastor, Annunciation Church, California, appointed August 18, 2012; Retirement, October 21, 2013. Other positions held by Father Maher included Dean, Kirksville Deanery – 1994-1997; Priests’ Senate – 1994-1995, 1996-1997; Vocation Area Promoter – October 26, 1993-October 4, 1995; Director of Seminarians – August 30, 1996-July 1, 2000; Diocesan Consultor – August 30, 1996-September 1, 1998; Presbyteral Council - August 2000-October 1, 2001; Ministry to Priests Committee – January 1, 2001-December 31, 2004; Chair, Ministry to Priests Committee – February 21, 2002-December 31, 2003; Senator, Jefferson City Deanery – October 1, 2003-October 1, 2005; Diocesan Pastoral Council – October 1, 2004-October 1, 2006; Dean, Jefferson City Deanery – October 1, 2007-October 1, 2010; Priests’ Personnel Board – September 1, 2008-September 1, 2012; Diocesan Pastoral Council Appointed Priest Rep – September 2009-September 2012; Helias High School Advisory Council – August 1, 2010-August 1, 2012

Father Maher celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Holy Priesthood on June 2, 1996, at Mary Immaculate Church in Kirksville. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee on June 5, 2010 at St. Joseph Church in Westphalia. Father Maher had a quiet demeanor and was a very spiritual priest. He had a strong devotion to the Curé of Ars. Father Maher was an early promoter of computer science. He loved his Irish heritage, especially its literature and culture. He was a fearless traveler and an avid reader of literature.

Father Dave, affectionately known as “Preach” by some of his brothers and sisters and Slater friends, was a true renaissance man who loved literature, art, cooking, music, traveling, reading, children, and God. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed any gathering of friends and family. He was loved by all that knew him and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by eight brothers Pat (Cookie) Maher of Ogalalla, NE; Phil (Kathy) Maher of Newnan, GA; Dennis (Gen) Maher of Wesley Chapel, FL; Paul (Shirley) Maher of Decatur, TX; Bill (Patricia) Maher of Liberty, MO; Dan (Alexandra) Maher of Batesville, IN; Tom (Cheryl) Maher of Nixa, MO; and Bob (Michelle) Maher of Overland Park, KS; 25 nieces and nephews; and 39 great nieces and nephews . He was preceded in death by his mother and father and his youngest brother, Terry.

Visitation will be at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City, Missouri, on Thursday, November 14, 2019, from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 pm.

The concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 15, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. Bishop Emeritus John R. Gaydos will preside and the homilist will be his classmate, Father John W. Groner.

On Friday, November 15, 2019, there will be the Rosary and Visitation from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm at St. Joseph Church, 325 W. Emma Street, Slater, Missouri. There will be a Memorial Mass on Saturday, November 16, 2019, 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, Slater. Burial will be in the Slater City Cemetery in the family plot next to his parents.

Memorials are suggested to the Diocese of Jefferson City Vocation Fund.

Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.