David (Dave) Paul Mastin
age 70, went to be with the Lord on August 29, 2024. A devoted husband, father, and grandpa, Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Nancy Gayle Mastin (née Ellason); his daughters, Elizabeth Anne Burke and Katherine Ruth Mugg; and his sons-in-law, Daniel Joseph Burke and Jordan O’Neil Edward Mugg. He was a proud and loving grandpa to Norah Elise Burke, Emmett Charles Burke, Samuel Edward Burke, Nicholas David Burke, Esther Elizabeth Mugg, Miriam Louise Mugg, and Josiah James Paul Mugg. Dave is also survived by his dear sisters and brother-in-law, Mike and Marilyn McMillen and Shirley and (the late Bill) Lohmar and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rebecca and Guy Blase. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Emma Mastin, and his parents, Paul Everett Mastin and Edna Louise Mastin.
From a young age, Dave loved to draw and design. He graduated with his architectural degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1977 and shortly thereafter moved with his wife Nancy to St. Louis where he began his architectural practice. In 1984, he took ownership of St. Louis Design Alliance Architects and, in 1987, began a life-long business partnership with Jeff Mugg. A distinguished and visionary architect, Dave viewed his work as a vocation and calling, utilizing his gifts to invest deeply in the people and institutions he loved. Over his lifetime, it is estimated that he designed more than 300 churches, 1500 houses, and thousands of housing units. Although much of his work was for clients and organizations, he was eager to help anyone he knew with their architectural needs, often sketching up plans on scraps of paper or a nearby napkin. Beyond architecture, Dave was a local community developer who saw potential in every person and building he met. He always saw opportunity for revitalization and renewal, and he enjoyed watching the transformation.
In addition to architecture and development, Dave’s commitment to his community was evident in his involvement with various boards and non-profits, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Missouri Historic Preservation, the East Loop CID, Restore St. Louis, Harambee, and the Freedom School, among many others. Much of his community involvement was motivated by his deep love for and commitment to his church New City Fellowship in St. Louis, which he and Nancy helped found in the early 1990’s. Dave served as an Elder at New City for 32 years and attended services faithfully. This loyalty stemmed from his unwavering belief and knowledge that his life was not his own but belonged to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Beyond work and serving in the church and neighborhood community, Dave loved to travel and was constantly dreaming up the next trip. He and Nancy traveled to multiple places in North America, Europe, and Africa. He was an avid Cardinals fan whose knowledge of baseball stats were rivaled only by that of his grandson, Emmett. He also enjoyed working in the yard, grilling pork steaks and hamburgers, and reading newspapers and books (in print only!). Many weekends were spent hosting dinners and playing games, and, of course, he often did all of these things while whistling.
Dave was a testament to a life lived with integrity, faithfulness, and unwavering belief in Jesus’ sanctifying work. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 201 S. Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A light hors d’oeuvres reception will take place afterward, with a graveside service to follow at St. Paul Churchyard. It is kindly requested that men wear a coat and tie. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Freedom School or to Forest Park Forever.
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Sandra Clay says
September 10, 2024 at 8:48 pmNancy my heart weeps for you and the girls as you now must live in this world without your beloved Dave. I will always have a fond affection for Dave and his kind greetings. He was never to busy to converse with me a little. He urged Jeffrey to be sure & bring me to the Elder dinner at your home & he made accommodations for me to get in and out of the house easily. Years back he also urged Jeffrey to get the washer & dryer moved upstairs for me. I just found out about that as we were reminiscing in our house church last week about Dave. He was a remarkable godly beautiful man and I miss him so much. The world is a better place because of him.
Pete Woods says
September 5, 2024 at 2:34 pmNancy and Family,
Such a loss for all those who Dave influenced and who loved him. My first memory was of Memorial Pres and the service where we prayed alongside you with the loss of Emma, where I learned more about prayer and caring for others. Through my one-on-one studies with Dave while I was yet in law school and his ongoing mentoring on so many subjects: family relationships, community involvement (leading to my joining you in the West End, on Clemens); guidance on building and property development; how to exhibit a giving heart with compassion for others; and many more. I was blessed to know and engage with Dave and will miss him dearly. Prayers for you as you mourn his loss, but rejoice, as he is with our Lord.
Nancy E. Ade says
September 5, 2024 at 2:26 pmDear Nan and family, so very sorry for your loss, such a great loss, your husband of so many years, so very hard…you are surrounded by love and I will be praying for comfort during this time of mourning.
Lisa Potts says
September 5, 2024 at 12:53 amNancy (and family),
We are so sorry for your loss! I have fond memories of seeing Dave walking to and from work. I would sometimes tease him and ask him if he wanted a ride :). This neighborhood is a family and we are here for you!
Tanya Lemmon says
September 13, 2024 at 3:24 pmNancy-
Chris and I are so very sorry to hear of Dave’s sudden passing. We know the Lord is carrying you and your wonderful family through this difficult time & yet we grieve with you. Dave was a blessing to know and his love for the Lord so very evident. We are praying for you & your family.
Eileen Pheiffer says
September 4, 2024 at 11:17 pmNancy, Liz, Katie and family, we are heartbroken for your great loss. Dave made the world a better place and leaves a void in his passing. Many lives have been lifted up over the years by Dave and now many hearts are hurting in his absence.