David 'Butch" Shepardson's Obituary
David “Butch” Shepardson, 85, of Orem, Utah, peacefully graduated from mortality on December 7, 2024, at Timpanogos Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. True to his enduring devotion, he waited until his “Queen,” Darla, arrived at his side before passing on due to respiratory failure.
Dave, as he was known in his later years, was born on September 2, 1939, in Blythe, California, to David Eugene Shepardson and Nellie Ruth Baird Shepardson. A natural leader and scholar, he graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1957, where he served as President of both the Sophomore and Junior classes and earned the prestigious Bank of America Award in Mathematics.
After high school, Dave continued to excel academically and in service. He attended the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, where he completed Fire Control Technician School. Following his honorable service in the Navy, he pursued higher education at Palo Verde Junior College. There, he demonstrated his leadership once again as the Freshman Class Student Body President and earned an Associate’s Degree in Engineering in 1962.
Dave first met Beverly Ann Shumaker in the spring of 1962 at the Fosters Freeze in Blythe, California – a meeting that would change the course of his life. The two quickly fell in love and were married on July 29, 1962. Shortly thereafter, in April 1964, Dave lovingly adopted Beverly’s two children, Jeffrey and Debra, embracing them as his own. Together, they welcomed a son, David III, in 1963, and a daughter, Jennifer, in 1968.
When Jennifer was just four weeks old, the family traveled to the Mesa Arizona Temple, where they were sealed as an eternal family on December 5, 1968 – a cherished milestone in their lives.
Dave’s journey of faith was not without its challenges. Known for his stubborn nature, he resisted the teachings of seven sets of missionaries before finally reading the Book of Mormon. In July 1968, he made the decision to be baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Even before joining the Church, Dave had a heart for service. He served long and faithfully as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts in Blythe and later in Parker, Arizona, touching the lives of many young men with his dedication and leadership. Many of his Scouts still remember him for his knot-tying acumen and credited his instruction for their own abilities to still tie that perfect knot.
In early 1971, after commuting for many months between Blythe and Parker, Dave moved his young family to live in Parker and operate Poston Materials, a ready-mix concrete and gravel plant, which he owned with his father, Dave Sr. They often pursued other business opportunities, including selling ski boats, and constructing steel buildings for many happy customers. In addition to being the hardest working man on site, Dave was a generous employer, who was always concerned about the welfare of his employees and their families.
Dave’s beloved wife, Beverly, passed away on April 10, 1983, due to complications from diabetes. Her passing marked the end of a chapter defined by love, devotion, and resilience. Dave cared for Beverly with unwavering dedication, even bringing her along to the jobsite on a mattress in the back of their 15-passenger van, ensuring she was never far from his care, even while he worked. His steadfast commitment to her comfort and well-being during her final days was a testament to his selfless and loving nature.
On August 6, 1983, Dave married Darla Johnson Cloud, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Their story is one of destiny and deep connection. Though acquaintances since childhood, Dave and Darla reconnected later in life, having navigated the challenges of single parenthood while raising four children each. Their reunion was nothing short of transformative, and from the moment they came back into each other’s lives, they knew they were meant to marry.
Initially, they envisioned their union as a blending of two families – eight children in total – in a way reminiscent of a "Brady Bunch" arrangement. However, their wedding ceremony held an unexpected revelation. During the sealing, the temple officiant pronounced a prophetic declaration: Dave and Darla would welcome more children together. The announcement was met with lighthearted laughter at first, but by the third mention, the room was filled with reverent awe.
True to this prophecy, their love story expanded. They welcomed their son, Samuel, in May 1984, and Nathan followed in May 1985, completing their remarkable family. Together, Dave and Darla built a home filled with love, faith, and joy, creating a legacy that will be cherished by their children and all who knew them.
Dave was a man of quiet strength and boundless service, embodying the teachings of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Like his mother, Ruth, he enriched the lives of others without seeking recognition or gratitude. Whether working tirelessly or offering his time to serve, he rarely thought of himself. Dave mastered the art of fatherhood: protecting, providing, and presiding. He never took a job that worked less than 60 hours a week and, during challenging times, he exceeded 100-hour weeks to help pay medical bills from Beverly's passing. Yet, amidst the demands of life, Dave created memories that his children will forever cherish.
In 1989, he closed the plant in Parker and moved back to Blythe, where he continued to work with Dave Sr. at Shepwell’s. He taught his youngest sons to fish, served as an assistant scoutmaster, and tended to a small farm and garden filled with goats, ducks, geese, dogs, and even a pig. Ever the entrepreneur, Dave tried his hand at various ventures, the most amusing of which was raising pheasants for game preserves. For Sam and Nate, the pheasant pen became a source of endless joy – especially during the woolly worm rugby matches among the birds! Dave's goat, Humphrey, provided more hilarity, often claiming an old picnic table as his throne for “King of the Mountain” battles with the boys. Despite the hard work, Dave ensured his children experienced a childhood filled with freedom, laughter, and love. He succeeded brilliantly, creating a legacy of cherished memories and a deep sense of gratitude among his children for the joy he brought to their lives.
In 1998, Dave, Darla and their boys moved to Orem, where he tried his hand as a mortgage broker, before he returned to construction, working well past retirement age, as an equipment operator at Hadco Construction. He always attended his teenage boys’ ball games, whether it be basketball, football, etc., even driving across the state if necessary to be there for their “away” games.
After his forced retirement at age 72, Dave kept himself busy around their home; gardening, doing family history research, and making pleasant memories with his children, grandchildren, and their children. As Darla’s health began to decline, Dave was always at her side, doing everything possible to keep her comfortable and show his deep love and devotion for his “sweetheart.”
Dave is survived by his wife of 41 years, Darla, and nine of their children: Jeffrey Shepardson (Jana), Debra Harris, David Shepardson III, Jennifer Shepardson (Lauren), Kimberly Perry (Robb), Kandra McIntire (Kendall), Kory Cloud (Kellie), Samuel Shepardson (Cecily), and Nathan Shepardson (Ashley). Dave leaves behind a whopping 31 Grandchildren and 33 Great-Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David Eugene Shepardson and Nellie Ruth Baird Shepardson; his first wife, Beverly Ann Shumaker Shepardson, and his son, Kenneth Darrell Cloud, Jr.
His viewing will be held at the LDS Church house at 95 N 600 W in Orem, Utah on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 9:00-10:30 am. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. Dave’s final resting place will be next to his parents in the Palo Verde Cemetery located in Blythe, California. The graveside service will be held there on Jan 2 at 11 am.
We express our love and wish to thank all of the Nursing Staff of the ICU and Hospice Care at Timpanogos Regional Hospital for taking such great care of our Father while he was in your care.
Dave will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a true patriot, a man of great character, and a beloved friend to all who knew him.
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