Dr. David Martin Lieberman

Dr. David M. Lieberman, born December 26, 1926 to Naomi and Alexander Lieberman in Floresville, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025 in St. Louis at the age of 98.

Born in a home without indoor plumbing, David grew up a third child in a closely-knit family with an older sister Sara Maryn, older brother Ira, and younger brother Zeck. Though the family business was centered on building up a series of successful general stores throughout Texas, David set his sights on something else. After watching the local doctor save his siblings from scarlet fever in a time where there were no antibiotics, he chose medicine.

The family eventually moved to San Antonio where David was a proud member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and enjoyed polishing buttons, winning accolades along the way. He went on to the University of Texas, graduating early to attend Vanderbilt Medical School. Working hard earned him the Founder’s Medal and ranking of first in class upon graduation.

Looking northward, David received a spot in Internal Medicine at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis for his internship and residency. That fortuitous choice offered him the opportunity to meet his future wife Elayne Schermer, the daughter of a general physician in Granite City, Illinois. Having enrolled in the military and having support from the GI bill, David was deployed to Paris Island, South Carolina to serve as a naval doctor at the Marine base. It was there that Elayne captured David’s heart while visiting him. They married in St. Louis and returned to Paris Island to begin their life together.

Returning to Barnes Hospital and St. Louis after their stint in South Carolina, David and Elayne built a family and life in their chosen town. They went on to have two children: Nancy Rae and Andrew (Drew) David. David returned to his beloved Barnes, where he dedicated himself to service for 50 years.

Focused on his passions of family and medicine, David found purpose in caring for others. He opened an office as an internist at Barnes Hospital Queeny Tower and became an assistant professor at Washington University Medical School, where he mentored young physicians. He gained a reputation for being the consummate internist—taking every patient’s phone call, savoring knowing his patients and conscientiously reading each X-ray with the radiologists at Mallinckrodt Radiology Department. Be kind, respectful and thorough was his mantra, and often patients waited long periods of time in his waiting room to see him. They deemed it well worth it.

David retired in 1999, decommissioned his beeper and closed his practice. He celebrated this by having the sense of “a job well done to the last,” with his unwavering attention to detail and thoroughness, even when the practice of medicine was changing around him. He brought the same focus and energy to enjoying his retirement with his beloved Elayne as his co-pilot. They relished time with friends, opportunities to play tennis (where David played until 90) and golf, attending the St. Louis symphony and, above all, getting to know their expanding family.

David was the beloved husband of Elayne Schermer Lieberman for 74 years.  Dear father of Nancy (Philip) Katz and Andrew “Drew” (Randi) Lieberman.  Loving grandfather of Alexander (Erin) Katz, Lily (Nick) Roos, Jeremy (Sarah) Katz, Ellie, Zoey and Jake Lieberman.  Cherished great grandfather of nine.  Beloved brother of Sara Maryn (late Alvin) Golding, the late Ira (late Janet) Lieberman and Zelig “Zeck” (Marilyn) Lieberman.  Dear uncle, cousin and friend.

David was a true force. He masterfully combined medicine and family. Every day was a win if he was able to “get up on his hind legs” according to David. He leaves a family that will forever cherish him, are grateful for him and his humility and will channel his legacy of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world around them. If you were lucky enough to cross paths with David, you could quickly see the twinkle in his eye and appreciate his warmth.

Funeral service Wednesday, November 5, 11:00am at Temple Israel, 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive with interment to follow at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road.  Visitation with David’s family beginning at 10:30am until time of service.  Live stream available by clicking "watch video", below.  Since David enjoyed contributing to a myriad of organizations dedicated to helping others, please feel free to select one that resonates with you, should you wish to honor him in this manner.