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David Esplin Obituary
June 4, 1925 ~ March 21, 2014
David Spencer (Spence) Esplin passed away March 21, 2014.
Born June 4, 1925 to Raymond David and Lucy Heaton Esplin in Orderville, Utah, he married Olive Brooks on November 27, 1946 in the St. George Temple. Their life together was the great American love story.
Spence grew up in Little Tanks, on the Arizona Strip, where from an early age he herded sheep. One of the last living graduates of the Little Tanks Elementary School, he rode a horse to the one room school and built the fire to heat it. After graduating from Dixie High School, he joined the Navy. He served on the USS Iowa during WWII.
Spence worked as the assistant postmaster in the St. George Post Office until his retirement in 1980. Always active in the LDS Church, He served as ward clerk, Stake Young Men's President, high councilor and as a scout master. At 29, he served as the St. George 6th Ward Bishop. Spence received the Silver Beaver, one of scouting's' highest honors. With his friend, Jim Wade, he hiked the hills around St. George, discovering Indian artifacts, hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. He collected coins and stamps, developed talent as a photographer and writer. An inveterate storyteller, Spence chronicled his unique experiences growing up on the Strip telling about folks he knew and experiences he had. Spence was a friend to man, observing the needs of others and he worked to serve them.
He is survived by his wife Olive Brooks; his sister, Hilma Holt; his sons, Nick (Judy Owen) of Vacaville, CA, Deg of Salt Lake, Tyler (Patti Reed) of Enterprise; his daughters, Stefinee (Fred Pinnegar) of Orem, Fran (Wayne Stucki) and Misty of St. George; and 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Norma Lang and his son Kiplin Max. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Jen and Tammy from Dixie Hospice who were kind, loving and caring.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Flood Street LDS Chapel, 85 S. 400 E., St. George. There will be a viewing Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff and also on Saturday morning prior to services from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Spence's guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Esplin
Sponsored by Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George.
Gary R. & Chris Nelson
March 29, 2014
Utah's Dixie lost a great man in Spence Esplin. My sincere condolences and love to Olive, Nick, Stef, Degory, Tyler, Fran and Misty. Distance and time did not permit me to attend the viewing and funeral as I desired. Thanks for the many memories growing up next door.
Luen Atkin Flammer
March 28, 2014
When I saw the news about Spence's passing, I felt a real pang of sadness and also gratitude that I was able to see him again at our 70 year High School class reunion last May. (We were all sorry that you were not able to be there, too, Olive.) Though we were not really close friends in school I always liked and admired Spence and knew that knew that he was "top of the line." I send my condolences to you and your family.
Amy Alusa (aka: Workman) Jo Taylor Workman's 1st daughter
March 28, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of Uncle Spence's passing. While I am excited for him; it is with heavy hearts the family is left to miss such a marvelous man. I will always remember the warmth, love, humor and excitement he inspired. When myself and my siblings were young, he and Aunt Olive made every visit to St. George electrifying! We looked forward always to a time filled with adventure and love. I can hear Uncle Spence's voice even now as I think of him. Such a unique, powerful, kind, warm and humorous voice it was; he was...and is. I am so very sorry for those who have been closest to him; whom are many I know. My love and prayers for you as his immediate family especially; but also for all of those affected by this loss.
Roger Erickson
March 28, 2014
Uncle Spence was such an amazing man, he and Uncle Jim next door were both like surrogate fathers for me and my siblings and taught us so much and showed us support and love throughout many trials. Uncle Spence stands among the greats, his influence and example to me could not be given justice in words. Thank you Uncle Spence for everything you did for my family and for everyone
March 28, 2014
Dear family
Richard and I are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May you all receive the comfort you need. Richard & Ellen McArthur
Brent and Debbie Hanson
March 27, 2014
With our love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tracy Williams
March 26, 2014
Sweet Olive, Misty, and Fran, I am so very sorry for your loss. Olive and Spence were the "perfect couple" back in my College theater days. Spence is a wonderful man and who demonstrated how much he loved and supported his family. What a great example he was. My prayers are with you all.
Lida Larkin
March 26, 2014
How sad we are for you, Olive, and all your family. You've been such an exemplary couple and taught us so much about how to treat each other. We are praying for comfort for all of those left behind. We know Spence is having a grand time renewing acquaintances with family and friends. May you feel God's comfort daily in your lives as you miss Spence. love, The Walt Brooks Family
March 26, 2014
What a wonderful life for such a great man. He leaves such family legacy. May our Dear Heavenly Father comfort you.
We love you all.
Dick and Margarett Blake Family.
Rick Erickson
March 26, 2014
Sharon and I wanted to express our sincere condolences to Aunt Olive and family on the passing of Uncle Spence. Having been blessed to live across the street from the Esplins, I can say without equivocation, what an amazing man he truly was. He was never "Brother" or "Mr." Esplin to us, he was always "Uncle Spence," and he treated us like family. I never knew of a time when he was not willing to help my grandparents (Ron and Verna Cottam)or my late mother (Margaret), with anything they may need. He cut trees, fixed broken or clogged pipes, mended cars and swamp coolers with Uncle Jim (Wade), and far too many other things to mention. Both he and Aunt Olive have been important figures in my own, and in the life of my wife Sharon. We loved and appreciated him and are honored to have known him. We pray that The Lord blesses and comforts the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and especially Aunt Olive at this difficult time.
Edith Luce
March 26, 2014
Dear Esplin family, I am so sorry to hear and see this. Please know how much we love you and your wonderful family, sending love and prayers of comfort to you. Love Edith Ann & Max Bunnell
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