David John Rau, 72, of Compton, MD died June 3, 2014 at his nephew's residence after a battle with prostate cancer.

Mr. Rau grew up in the Lower Merion Township outside of Philadelphia, PA. He was born on October 22, 1941, the son of the late John F. Rau and Gertrude E. (Turner) Rau.

Mr. Rau graduated from Lower Merion High School and Ursinus College earning a BA in history. Mr. Rau retired from the St. Mary's Board of Education in 1994. He taught for 30 years at Margaret Brent High School and Middle School. He enjoyed farming and growing tobacco on his farm in Compton. He also enjoyed playing pitch and eating crabs. He left the farm to two colleges to create two scholarships for St. Mary's seniors, at Ursinus and Springfield College, MA.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley Rau Freyman, of New Jersey; his brother-in-law, Robert Dempsey, of PA; three nephews and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his sister, Audrey Rau Dempsey, and his brother-in-law, Al Freyman.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Queen of Peace Cemetery, 38888 Dr. Johnson Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 N. Building A, Gambrills, MD 21054 or the Tri-County Animal Shelter, 6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville, MD 20637.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.