David Thurston

December 13, 1946 ~
October 23, 2017
Dave Thurston died in his home in Herriman, Utah during the early morning of Monday, October 23rd, 2017, surrounded by his five children and his wife of just five months, Bette Amundsen Romano Thurston. Dave was a big man. He had a big personality, a big heart, and he made a big impact on a lot of people. He will be deeply missed.
David LeRue Thurston was born on December 13th, 1946 in Richfield, Utah to LeRue E. and Idell Warnock Thurston. He was the second of four siblings. After moving to Provo, Dave attended Grandview Elementary School and then Brigham Young Junior and Senior High School, graduating in 1965. After high school, Dave served a successful mission in the Central British Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He married Colleen Danielson on June 6, 1969, served in the military in Germany, and later graduated from BYU. He also earned a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Dave and Colleen were the parents of five children.
Dave served as an LDS Seminary teacher for 23 years, and inspired thousands of students to have faith and serve others. He always led by example. After leaving the teaching profession, Dave had a second career as a truck driver, retiring just a few months ago. Even in his new profession, "Trucker Dave" found a way to connect with others, extending a helping hand and using the counseling skills that were second-nature to him.
It was Dave's privilege to be married to three wonderful women during his lifetime. Colleen Danielson Thurston-Tippetts, Pam Trude, and Bette Amundsen Romano Thurston. Dave and Bette were married on May 6, 2017 and they were able to enjoy a honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii before Dave became ill.
Dave is survived by his wife, Bette of Herriman; his sister, Kathy (David) Thornock of Wenatchee, WA; brother-in-law, Dee Johnston of Bartlesville, OK; and sister-in-law, Nancy Flynn Thurston, of Kennewick WA; his five children and their spouses, Jill and Greg Hardman of Washington, UT; Jeff and Veronica Thurston of Midvale, UT; Ryan and Debbie Thurston of Farr West, UT; Amy and Casey Twitty of Eagle Mountain, UT; and Jon and Brittany Thurston of Syracuse, UT; as well as two step children Kristina and Chad Romano Kirby; and Ryan and Heather Romano. Dave is also survived by 21 beloved grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dave is preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister, Ann Marie Thurston Johnston, his brother, Douglas Warnock Thurston, and twin infant grandsons.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Copper Creek 2nd Ward Building (4080 West 12600 South) in Riverton. The funeral service will be held at the same address on Friday, October 27th at 11:00am. Graveside services/Interment will follow immediately after at Riverton City Cemetery. Online condolences www.premierfuneral.com