David Shirley Wilson - Walker Funeral Home

On November 30th, 2020, After months of fighting valiantly with complications related to heart failure, David Shirley Wilson, 68, stepped through the door to the great beyond. On that beautiful morning, David was surrounded hand in hand with his sweet eternal companion and his four loving children. David shared his love and testimony to the very end, he was ready and prepared for his next calling in Heaven. David moved on with satisfaction at his life’s work and looked forward to his reunion with friends and family that joyously welcomed him home.

David is and will always be a Superman to many. To his friends and family he was an amazing storyteller, mentor, teacher, adventurer, hard-worker, service oriented, comedian, mediator, and best friend.

David was born to Shirley and Helen Wilson on August 28, 1952 in Payson, Utah. He was the oldest brother to his six brothers and sisters; Dennis, Diana, Lisa, Fran, Douglas, and Kent. Together they were raised by goodly parents who taught them how to love and serve others. David’s mother always said he was “a good son.” In their elder years he took care of his parents faithfully; regularly visiting and bringing meals weekly as their health failed them. He also cherished the trips and memories he experienced with his siblings while growing up and as adults. He missed his parents a great deal after they passed away and was happy for the reunion he had with them at his passing.

David married his eternal companion, Colleen Menlove, in the Manti LDS Temple on October 3, 1974. They made their homes in Payson and Santaquin, Utah where they made many wonderful memories and friendships. In Payson and Santaquin they raised their children and worked together to raise them to do what was right. The greatest lessons being to always work hard and to serve the Lord with all your might. He was the best Dad ever. David and Colleen spent any free time with each other, they loved long drives together, date nights, and their Friday nights serving in the Payson Temple with each other. Being in the truest sense partners and best friends. David’s favorite thing to do was travel with his wife and children—it’s those adventures that created ever lasting friendships and love with each other and united his family. David and Colleen in the last decade achieved their goals of traveling abroad to the English Isle’s, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. But, the simple family road trips around the United States were always his favorite—he had a knack for stopping at every historical sign on his way to his destination.

David loved education; he attended Parkview and Peteetneet Elementary Schools, and was a graduating member of the Payson High School Class of 1970. He also received his Bachelor Degree in History and Business from Brigham Young University. For David, every day was a chance to learn more. He loved history; his home and personal study always had dozens of history books that he voraciously read. He believed in recording your own history and did himself record his history with 100s of personal journals, 1000s of pictures of his family’s adventures, and careful compilations of his own life history.

David was always an overachiever especially in his own business, which he learned from his father and then eventually took over, Shirley Wilson Seat Covers in Provo, Utah. As an upholsterer he was known as the area’s best for restoration projects, automobiles, and boats. He restored numerous vintage cars; his sewing and design skills were always the best quality. His own project was a vintage Willys Jeep that he restored for his father to ride in the Payson Onion Days Parade.

David was a lifelong and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in the Tennessee/Kentucky Mission from 1971-1973. He also loved every calling he had in his life; Elder’s Quorum President, Young Men’s Leader,Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, nursery worker, Sunday School Teacher, and most recently Payson Temple Worker and the Executive Secretary for the Santaquin Young Single Adults Ward. He was of great influence to many young men and women in the Payson and Santaquin wards who consider him one of their favorite leaders as he was an example of good works and having great faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many weekends of his life he attended and provided service hours for innumerable service projects. He was called by many, “Mr. Scout.” After years of service in the BSA organization, David received the Silver Beaver Award.

David was a good man and well loved by many. Most will remember his exuberant chuckle, the regular twinkle in his eye, and his ability to tell an amazing tale around the fire or to his grandchildren at each visit. He leaves a legacy of goodness, of giving, of sacrifice, and of devotion to the Lord. We are thankful for those who have served him in the last months and will continue to serve his family in the days and years to come.

David is survived by his loving wife Colleen, his four children; Melissa (David) Martin, Karen (Calvin) Simpson, Ryan (Emilee) Wilson, and Jared Wilson. And his 15 well-loved, grandpa taught grandchildren: Addie, Joseph, Alyse, Grayson, Isabel, Ethan, Gordon, Abigail, Harrison, Taggart, Monson, Gabriel, Layla, Matilda, and Oliver. His favorite Mother-in-Law Jerrolyn Menlove. His siblings Dennis (Michelle) Wilson, Diana (Daniel) Steele, Lisa (Terry) Montague, Fran (James) Whitchurch, Douglas (Jill) Wilson, and Kent (Giane) Wilson. He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Wilson, father Shirley Wilson, his father-in-law Joseph Menlove and his granddaughter Annie Marie Simpson. Also, preceded in death by many dear friends who he now joins in new adventures and callings in Heaven.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Santaquin City Center church, 90 South 200 East, Santaquin Utah at 11:30 AM. A viewing will be held before the service from 9:00-11:00 AM. A short prayer service and gathering will be held at the Payson City Cemetery,after the funeral, where he will be interred. We want those who would like to pay their respects to be able to do so. We will do our best to provide a safe, socially distanced visitation line, and appropriately spaced out seating arrangements for the service. Therefore, there will be limited seating in the chapel–The service will be streamed over youtube (Click Here For LiveStream) and a recording will be provided. Also the option of coming by the cemetery for the short graveside service is available. Because of current concerns, those in attendance are encouraged to wear masks and to practice social distancing.

“Heaven is right here.” -David Wilson

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17 Condolences for David Shirley Wilson

Condolences(17)

Andy Ringger says

December 5, 2020 at 12:11 am

We lost a great one. I have many fond memories of Dave as we served together and became good friends. I learned from him how to treat people by not being judgemental and critical of others. May God bless and comfort you. He will be missed.

DeeAnn Sorenson says

December 5, 2020 at 4:54 pm

What a beautiful obituary for a beautiful soul. David was one of a kind and I enjoyed every encounter with him. He truly is one of God’s choicest servants and earned the promise ” Well done my good and faithful servant”. May you all feel the sweet spirit and love from him and our Heavenly father in the days and years to come. You will always miss him, that’s what happens with great love but he is never far away. God bless and keep you.

REPLY
Shad Ruf says
December 8, 2020 at 4:50 pm

I am so sorry to hear of Bishop Wilson’s passing. He was a very great man. One of the few I know that had a genuine love for people just because they were one of God’s children. One of the best examples of the pure love of Christ that I have had the pleasure of knowing! He is one of a few examples in my life that allowed me to open my heart and let the lord back in, so I could forgive others and repent of my past sins, and become close to our Lord and savior again. Thank you for that gift Bishop Wilson!

Adam Wilson says

December 6, 2020 at 4:09 am

We are very sad that Uncle Dave has left us so soon. We will always remember his infectious laugh and kind nature.
Last year Dave and Colleen spent an entire afternoon preparing the family cabin for us to visit. Dave showed us all the details we needed to enjoy our stay. This is one of a million examples, I’m sure, of kindness and love he showed throughout his life.
You’ll be missed Dave.

Alan Lisonbee says

December 6, 2020 at 1:50 pm

What a great man and friend. He blessed my life I’m so many ways, his wonderful can do attitude and love for all of our Heavenly Father’s children. He was Mr. Scout. He applied its game with a purpose to everything he did. Dave will be greatly missed on this side of the veil, and I am sure received a great welcome on the other. My warmest thoughts of peace and comfort go out to Colleen and their family.

Garrett Steele says

December 6, 2020 at 5:19 pm

When I think of my uncle David I think of the All American Man; livey of family, God, and country. David was always welcoming into his home, his shop, and adventures. David was always calm when teaching and sharing many of the tips and tricks he mastered throughout life. I’ll miss his laugh, knowledge, and joy of the beautiful mountains.

Thanks David for your time and the example you were to me! May God bless you and your family.

DOROTHY MODA ARGYLE says

December 6, 2020 at 7:50 pm

Dear Colleen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a remarkable and caring individual. He will be missed.

Casey Wilson says

December 7, 2020 at 10:01 pm

Uncle David’s laugh always brought a smile to everyone. He will be missed! Much love to your family during this time.

Frank Daybell says

December 8, 2020 at 3:46 am

Ryan,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Sounds like he was a great man and dad. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.

Darlene Carlisle says

December 10, 2020 at 9:03 pm

I will always have fond memories from living next door to David and Colleen in Santaquin. They were GREAT neighbors. I most especially will remember how safe I felt sending my boys on scouting activities with David. If he wasn’t going, then neither were my boys, I trusted him and him only. And the day he came over to prepare me and keep me calm when Jason had a shingle hammer fall and split his head when the boys were building a fort on Santaquin bench. Great neighbors!

Bill and Joy Benson says

December 12, 2020 at 2:49 pm

We are truly sorrowful as we mourn the loss of such a great man. Dave always went the extra mile whether in scouts, church, business, or just life. He was a great example to us and our family. He will be missed! Thanks, David, for being an example to all of us.

Stephen Montague says

December 12, 2020 at 4:13 pm

Uncle David was and is a great man. His passing was unexpected and heartbreaking. He was always smiling and always willing to take an interest in you to know what you were up to and how life was treating you. I always felt welcome around David and I’m grateful for his example of hard work, service and love. Thank you uncle David for living your life with so much meaning.

Ashley Montague says

December 12, 2020 at 5:58 pm

Uncle David always took an interest in my life, kept track of details about me, and many times showed up in quiet noble service to my family when it mattered most. It’s been deeply meaningful for me to observe through the years how much love and respect my mother – his little sister – holds for David. He was very much a leader in the family, demonstrating wisdom and kindness. I send my love and prayers to Aunt Colleen and all my cousins and their families at this time of loss. I feel grateful to have witnessed how David modeled living a life of faith and family. We love you and will miss you, Uncle David. Honoring you from near and far today.

Spencer Montague says

December 12, 2020 at 6:08 pm

Anyone who knew David, loved him. His infectious laugh, his genuine nature, his selflessness, his cheerfulness and kind heart. For me he was a role model of how to have a Christlike character on a daily basis. He was too humble to realize how many people look up to him, but a life like his leaves beautiful ripples in all directions that continue on into the future. We love you David. Thanks for everything.

Aaron Montague says

December 12, 2020 at 6:42 pm

I love uncle David. He was a Christlike man, and shared light wherever he went. He always had a good story and a twinkle in his eye. He uplifted others everywhere he went and made sure that others were taken care of. During college I reached out to him to see if I could work in his shop. He gladly agreed and didn’t hesitate to give me the opportunity. He was flexible with my hours and always spent a few minutes catching up with me to see how school was going. He also was honest with how he paid me. It was a fair amount of work for him to register me as a part-time employee and pay the taxes on my work, but he did it to make sure he was square with me and the government, and with himself. I would trust David with anything he is just that type of person.

I’m going to miss him. He was one of the good people here on earth. I’m sure he’s going to do a great work up in heaven. He has so many talents and will add immeasurably to the host of angels helping with God’s work. I’m sure he’s loving being with grandma and grandpa again and spending time with them. We’ll miss him a lot.

Sydney says

December 12, 2020 at 9:09 pm

David was always so kind and genuine with me and my family. He offered my husband a job in his shop while we were poor college kids waiting to start graduate school. He was always looking to help others and find a need and fill a need for anyone he interacted with. We admired his easy going, nonjudgmental way and how he loved his family and faith, first and foremost. He had a twinkle about his smile and a pure goodness that was felt whenever you would talk with him. He was easy to laugh and quick to make a clever comment. He truly cared for so many people and radiated the love of Christ. We are grateful for his example and his lasting impact.

Carl Swenson says

December 13, 2020 at 5:27 pm

Colleen and family. Nancy and I send our deepest sympathy and love at this this very dear and trying time. You and David shared and served in many ways. David was a great man and a wonderful example of kindness and service to others. May the Lord bless and keep you as you move forward.

David Shirley Wilson August 28, 1952 - November 30, 2020

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17 Condolences for David Shirley Wilson