David Stuart Charles Sr., 71, of Salem, Utah, passed away April 8, 2024. 
David was born August 10, 1952, the son of Ethelbert and Betty Charles, in MacDowell, West Virginia. After graduating from Bluefield High School, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the US Navy. He was stationed aboard the Presidential Yacht, Sequoia, in Washington, DC.
While in Utah for a short period of time he met the girl who would change his life, Anita Jensen. They were married May 11, 1973. On January 23, 1975, they were sealed in the Washington DC Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Every year David celebrated July 27, 1974, the day he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the gospel and spent the rest of his life serving in the church and learning all he could about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite opposition and hard times, he stood by his decision to join the Church of Jesus Christ.
After moving his family to Utah in 1976 he worked as a metal machinist until his retirement in 2019. David loved taking his kids and grandkids fishing. Better than catching his own fish was the joy he found in handing the pole to one of his “little people” so they could catch a fish. David also loved being at the barn with his “little people” following behind. David was always the first one to show up to help others and will be remembered as the guy to call when you needed help fixing anything.
David is survived by his wife Anita Charles of Salem, UT; his children David (Michelle) Charles of Springlake, UT, Grant (Kacie) Charles of Mountain Home, UT, Delight (Brian) Payne of Albuquerque, NM, Eve (Darrin) Bolhuis of Soap Lake, WA, Rachel (Matt) Swenson of Spanish Fork, UT, and Ammon (Cammie) Charles of La Pine, OR; twenty-nine grandchildren; and three brothers.
David is preceded in death by his parents Ethelbert and Betty Charles, his in-laws Grant and Edna Jensen, and his great-grandson Bryce Ewell. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00am. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:45-10:45 am. Both the funeral and viewing will be held at the LDS church located at 1138 E 100 S, Payson, UT.
5 Condolences for David Stuart Charles Sr.
Condolences(5)
Doug Allred says
April 10, 2024 at 4:28 pmI am so sorry for the loss of this great family man and dear friend. I am so great full for all of the time I was able to spend with him, working or playing. It is hard for all he left behind, but I am relieved to know his pain is over.
Frank Daybell says
April 11, 2024 at 2:39 amSorry to hear about the loss of your dad Ammon. It sounds like he lived a great life doing things he loved with family. Hope you and Cammie are doing well and say hello to your boys. Losing a grandpa isn’t easy.
David Staheli says
April 11, 2024 at 4:14 amI’m so sorry about David’s passing. He is a dear friend. He has a great testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and showed it through the many talks we had and the example he was to others. He adored Anita and the family. He talked about the love he has for you all the time. He will be missed, but he is in good hands now. He’s at peace.
Craig A Larsen says
April 12, 2024 at 1:44 amI’m very grateful for the time I had working together in the flow lab at Flowserve Valtek with Dave. He taught me a lot and we had a good time together. Loved the stories he would tell about his time in the Navy and serving on the Presidential yacht. You could always count on Dave making something as perfect as possible when presented with a challenging design. Thanks to him for introducing me to North Carolina vinegar based barbecue. His testimony was inspirational. His love for his family was a wonderful example for all. He will be missed and I feel blessed to have known him..
Craig A Larsen says
April 12, 2024 at 1:47 amI’m very grateful for the time I had working together in the flow lab at Flowserve Valtek with Dave. He taught me a lot and we had a good time together. Loved the stories he would tell about his time in the Navy and serving on the Presidential yacht. You could always count on Dave making something as perfect as possible when presented with a challenging design. Thanks to him for introducing me to North Carolina vinegar based barbecue. His testimony was inspirational. His love for his family was a wonderful example for all. He will be missed and I feel blessed to have known him. Farewell my friend.
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