Dave Stewart Shell

Dave Stewart Shell passed away on February 16, 2025, in Roy, Utah. He was born in Payson, Utah, on November 6, 1949, to Jessie Joye Stewart Shell and Carl Allen Shell Jr. Dave was blessed with three younger sisters, Julie Harward, Allyn Draper, and Jayne West. He always stood up for them whenever necessary. Everyone knew they were Dave’s sisters and to respect them. He was not only a loving brother, but also a strong guardian.

Dave held a special place in his heart for his grandparents, June Christine Downey Stewart and Arthur Bernell Stewart. Their home was a haven where Dave and his sisters spent several hours playing Monopoly. (Wore out two Monopoly boards.) Dave was known as the best banker. He insisted on being the banker and somehow always managed to win. Several hours were also spent on the swing set and teeter-totter.

In his young teenage years, he and his friends enjoyed the cowboy life by working on several cattle ranches in Wyoming. He was known as the hippy from Utah. His strong work ethic led him to work on oil rigs in Wyoming, enduring long 12-hour shifts. Another of Dave’s formative experiences was working in the mines in Albuquerque, New Mexico, alongside his grandfather, Carl Allen Shell, Sr. This time together, allowed him to witness a side of his grandfather that few others knew. He fondly recalled moments of shared labor where Grandpa Shell’s laughter and smiles made the hard work meaningful. Dave also enjoyed special time with his grandmother, Florence Daisy Butler Shell. 

Dave had a passion for football. He played right guard for the Payson Lions. He carried that love for the game throughout his life as a devout fan of the San Francisco 49ers. He also had a passion for motorcycles, starting with a 175 Honda. He will always be remembered for riding his bike down the hall, and up and down the stairs in Payson Junior High. Dave later upgraded to a 350 Honda. He was the first to ride on the new I-15 Freeway from Payson to Provo before it opened. 

At the age of 19, Dave lost his sight but remained determined to support himself. He went to a masseur school where he opened his own successful business in Salt Lake and then in Park City. He started “Stewart Shell Snack Shack,” selling sandwiches near the Utah State Capitol and in California. With the help of his beloved guide dog, Pego, he navigated his surroundings. When Pego was not allowed to be around the food, Dave went to Little Rock, Arkansas and learned to use a cane, maneuvering through San Francisco, Arizona, and Washington DC, with remarkable independence. He was deeply involved in advocating for the blind. He served President of the Federation for the Blind for many years and traveled to Washington DC, to picket for the rights of blind Americans. Dave lived in all four time zones and loved saying “I have been everywhere…”

Dave married Jessie Swafford, who had two beautiful children, Maritza and Michael, who Dave loved as his own. Together, they had three more beautiful children, Rebecca, Jeannie, and Vincent.

Dave later married Becky Taylor.

Upon returning to Utah, Dave searched for work and applied as a dishwasher. When the manager hesitated to hire him, Dave offered to work for one week for free. His determination paid off, as he became a valued employee. He worked at Walmart as the fastest bike assembler in the store. He also worked at a pet store, where his hard work earned him trips to Hawaii. 

In his later years, Dave found a caring home at Sunridge Assisted Living in Roy. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the staff who took such wonderful care of Dave. Also, a special thank you to Tiffany Taurone from Specialty Nursing Services. 

His memory will be carried forward by those who knew and loved him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Payson City Cemetery. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.