Name: Visitation for David Root
Start: 2016-09-11T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-11T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Williamsville Jr. High School Gymnasium

David Root 1974 - 2016
SHERMAN, IL - David Root, 42, of Sherman, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
David was born Feb. 23, 1974, in DeKalb, Ill., the son of James and Beverly Root, formerly of Hampshire, Ill.
He married his beloved wife, Julie Smith, on Aug. 5, 2000, in Decatur, Ill.
David served as Superintendent of Williamsville-Sherman School District since 2007. He worked as an administrator in the Greenview and Athens School Districts from 2002 thru 2007. He taught and coached in Williamsville prior to his administrative service.
He graduated from Hampshire High School in 1992, earned a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in 1997, received his master's degree from University of Illinois at Springfield, and attained his Superintendent Endorsement from Illinois State University.
David is survived by his wife, Julie; two children, Mia and Dalton; his mother, Beverly; one brother, Darren (Kim) Root; four sisters: Dawn (Steve) McGrath, Darla (Hank) Gunn, Debbie (Deron) Rueff, and Dyan Lausas. Also surviving are his father- and mother-in-law, David and Susan Smith; sisters-in-law: Janet Smith, Jennifer (Andy) Smith-Multerer, and Colleen Smith; brother-in-law, Kevin (Sara) Smith; nieces and nephews: Carson and Morgan Root, Chris and Nick McGrath, Kevin, Kyle, Kelly and Katie McCarthy, Mitchel and Elaina Gunn, Jackson, Taylor and Grant Rueff, Brittney Lausas, and Ethan and Max Smith.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Root (Dec. 7, 2015).
David earned the University of Illinois at Springfield Administrators' Round Table Citation for Distinguished Professional Service (2009-2010), serving as president. He was awarded Superintendent of Distinction from the Illinois Association of School Administrators Abe Lincoln Region (2015), received Superintendent of the Year from Horace Mann (2015), and was honored with an Award of Excellence from the Villages of Sherman and Williamsville (2015). David was a brilliant leader who has left an enduring impact on his profession.
David was a dedicated family man and enjoyed watching his children participate in their activities. He was a talented musician and athlete, had the unique ability to be the funniest person in the room, and made every person he knew feel valued.
He demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the communities where he served, making decisions which put children first.
Visitation will be held at the Williamsville Jr. High School Gymnasium from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016.
Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Jeff Goeckner, will be held at St. John Vianney Church in Sherman at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016.
Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery near Williamsville.
Memorial donations can be made to: Williamsville School District David Root Memorial Fund.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home assisting of the Root family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Sep. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Root

Sponsored by Mott & Henning Funeral Home.

14 Entries

Charles Gonterman

September 3, 2019

Thinking of the Root family today.

Matt Garvy

November 12, 2017

It's been just over a year. I still think of Dave often. We spent a lot of time together in college. I think of his kindness, patience, loyalty, and humor. This guy was one of a kind. I think we are all better for knowing Dave. During his time with us we were all able to see and observe a special gift to this world. He was truly that, a gift to us all. I have never met such a person. As I sit, I am still absolutely amazed that he granted me his friendship. As time goes by I realize how he truly touched people's lives - and my life. He is the gold standard for us as friends, parents, and role models. At WIU, we would sit for hours on end talking and laughing. Adventures. When he taught me the guitar he would sit until I got it right. His patience was unreal. He took an immeasurable amount of time to do this. Days, nights.... I still play daily - and that is how he lives on with me.
I miss you, my friend. Always will, everyday. Thank you for what you have done for us all in your time here.
As we left campus for the final time, we walked to the parking lot. We chatted for a bit, trying to avoid the inevitable, he was going his way and I was going mine -
I'll see you again one day, my friend. Rest easy.

Agnes Tiarks

September 12, 2016

To the Root family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Mr. Root from Sherman/Williamsville. Mr. Root was an excellent educator and an amazing person. Two years ago my twin girls found themselves with some potential scheduling conflict involving behind the wheel. Both kids were taking a full load of classes with one taking an early bird class as well. Both had after school activities. The only option was to pull them out of PE, which I was told the school does not really want to do. Concerned, I called Mr. Root and explained the problem hoping he can step in and have the kids pulled from PE for behind the wheel. He listened and said Mrs. Tiarks, you have a problem a lot of parents would love to have. You have kids who are doing well in school and care about their academic careers. It's a good problem to have. Immediately he put an anxious parent at ease. He also told me we are in the business of customer service and assured me it would work out. Like he said, it did work out. I have never forgotten what he said to me during that relatively brief phone conversation and I never will. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 10, 2016

Thinking of you

Tom & Christi Mulligan and family

September 10, 2016

Julie, Dalton, and Mia,

I am writing this because I don't know what else to do - I just cannot believe it. Tom & I are so very blessed to have known Dave. He was literally Tom's best friend in the profession and I know Dave felt the same. He was literally the sunshine in our lives at some of our darkest moments and I hope that we were that for him as well. Some of my favorite memories as a wife of a Supt, is sitting with you guys in Chicago - shootin' the bull like only Dave could. The memory of our St. Louis trip immediately brings a smile to my face. We had the best time with you guys and the Lairds. He was the most handsome, fun-loving Supt I know, besides my own ;) we love all of you so very much and our hearts are simply broken. We will see you Sunday, but we are here - always, for anything. Love you so very much.

PS Dave is the only guy over 40 that I have ever known that could pull off a velvet suit coat the way he did. He was simply the best!!! :)

David n Rhonda n Sons Sheppard

September 10, 2016

Too Mrs David Root n family all of you have our deepest sympathy n ultmost Prayers,I never really knew this fine young Man David, but i wish i had, Like i have known you Darren Root, your both very wonderful Leaders too both the Williamsville n Auburn Schools, As David left behind a great school legacy when it came to educational success of students,believing in all of their abilities! Darren u n the Family stay strong ok. because David will continue to shine his bright light down upon all of us from Heaven!

BUCK GONTERMAN

September 9, 2016

THE FAMILY OF DAVID ROOT ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. SUCH A GREAT LOSS TO EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM.

September 9, 2016

GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY

Erin Ushman

September 9, 2016

I am so, so, sorry for the loss of Mr. Root. I remember when I was in Jr. High and I was in his pe class and I helped him with the scoreboard. We used to talk about the Men's Fighting Illini basketball team. He was my favorite teacher. We used to tease each other about our birthdays. Ho how I am going to miss talking to over facebook and e-mail. Rest in peace Mr. Root. GO ILLINI!!!!!

C R

September 9, 2016

My condolences to the family and friends especially to his wife and young children. May God be with you and the children to comfort and give you strength . Hope thes help; psalm 145:17...20

John Gerding

September 9, 2016

My 4 boys and I are saddened by this loss. I had only met Mr. Root a couple of times, however I would over the years listen to all of their Root stories at the dinner table. God bless.

Dawn Mille

September 9, 2016

Im so sorry for your loss. Dave was a great man and liked by all!!! Prayers to you all.

ron schwabe

September 9, 2016

To the family,
Thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss.I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet and get to know Dave when he was at Athens. As a long time retired educator it was a real plus to see students and the educational community led by dedicated leaders such as Dave. He had to leave us far too early, but his impact will last forever.....

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