David “Butch” Bricker, a man who lived life wide open and with unmistakable heart, passedaway on April 25, 2026, in Salem, Utah. He was born on September 13, 1944, in Coshocton,Ohio, to Tarence Woodburn Bricker and Ethel Pauline Porcher Bricker.
Butch grew up with a love for engines, speed, and the simple joy of being surrounded by thepeople he cared about. His life took him through several hometowns he cherished—Newcomerstown, Ohio; La Verne, California; Dayton, Nevada; and finally Elk Ridge, Utah—each place adding to the story of a man who never stopped moving forward.
He graduated from Azusa High School in 1963 and soon after began what would become aremarkable 38-year career as a diesel mechanic for L.A. County Metro Transit, serving from1967 until his retirement in 2005. His skill, work ethic, and grit earned him deep respect fromcolleagues and friends alike.
On October 15, 1977, Butch married the love of his life, Janis, in San Dimas, California.Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and the kind of loyalty that never wavered.
Butch was happiest with a wrench in his hand or the rumble of an engine in his ears. He loved watching drag races with family and friends, restoring classic cars, and taking his own pride andjoy to asmany car shows as he could. He was a Christian whose faith shaped the way he treatedothers—with kindness, humility, and a steady, dependable presence.
He lived life the way he drove his favorite cars—full throttle, fueled by passion, grit, and a loveforthe open road. Whether at the track or under the hood, he found joy in the ride and left alasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.
Butch is survived by his wife, Janis; his daughters Stacie (Spencer) Reedy of La Verne,California, and their children Alissa and Brooke; and Sarah (Randy) Fender of Kapolei, Hawaii,and their children Kennedy and Weston. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Richard)Gutierrez of La Verne, California.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gail Durk.Butch’s legacy lives on in the roar of engines, the shine of chrome, and the countless memorieshe created with those he loved.
His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed
3 Condolences for David “Butch” Bricker
Condolences(3)
Gil Dickason says
April 30, 2026 at 9:45 pmButch, we will always miss you and never forget you ! You are the big brother I never had and the friend I always wanted ! God created a great work in you buddy !
I will cherish the countless car shows and drag events we attended … Forever!
Till we meet again … sincerely and with
Love
Gil Dickason
Palombo’s says
May 1, 2026 at 2:10 pmSending our love to you and your family.
Pat Rowe says
May 2, 2026 at 1:41 pmButch, you came into my life as my uncle in 1977 when I was 8 yrs old. You quickly became a father figure to me, I would look to you for life advice. You were one of the 2 men in my life that I looked up to. Most importantly you became my Brother in Christ and I will meet to in the air very soon my friend.