David Simon Mendoza Jr.'s Obituary
David Simon Mendoza, Jr. was born on July 9, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He was the only son and youngest child of David and Adela Mendoza. He attended Mark Keppel High School where he played football all four years and never stopped loving football. He also participated in Glee Club and never stopped singing. He could break out in song in any conversation. David attended Chaffey College earning an associate’s degree and he also attended at the University of California earning a bachelor’s degree in Police Science.
As a young man, David attended the police academy and served as a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department and the Fontana Police Department. He started the K-9 program in southern California and traveled to many departments assisting in training. He trained his beloved German Shephard, Nick, to be his partner and work alongside him. He worked homicide, hostage negotiations and SWAT. David trained in the martial art of Judo, earning a first-degree black belt. After retiring from the police department, David managed several law firms assisting clients in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury and immigration law.
David found joy in coaching Pop Warner Football, fundraising for his community and helping anyone in need. David was a giving machine before “giving machines” existed. He supported ma and pa shops and local diners.
He married Susan Rust on August 11, 1994 in the Salt Lake Temple. David was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served four missions. From 1969-1971 he served in the Southeast Mexico Mission, 2016-2018 New Jersey Morristown Mission, 2018-2020 Layton Utah Mission, and 2020-2021 New Jersey Morristown Mission teaching Institute through Zoom. While serving in New Jersey, David started the first Spanish language institute class that continues there today. David and Suzy were also BYU Pathways instructors and enjoyed teaching young adults.
David loved to travel. He traveled to Egypt, all over Europe, and Mexico. For the past twenty years, Suzy and David led tours throughout Israel following the footsteps of our Savior. David had the heart of an Israeli soldier. He had an unparalleled passion for deep sea fishing, spending time on his boat and casting a line on the lake. He was frequently found attending gun shows and finding treasures and unique items at antique stores and pawn shops.
He is survived by his wife Suzy Rust Mendoza, his three daughters, Merisa Golding (Gary), Gina Kieley (James) and Linda Spencer (Michael). He is also survived by his five step children Travis Scheel (Sarah), Heather Denning (Dave), Vanessa Harris (Dale), Michael Scheel (Jennifer) and Melissa Palfreyman (Lee), twenty-one grandchildren, three great grandchildren as well as his three sisters Irene, Gloria and Diana (Robert). He is preceded in death by his parents.
A viewing will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022, from 12:00pm-1:30pm at The Church of Latter-day Saints, 380 S. Fairfield, Layton Utah, 84041. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm in the chapel.
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