David Leroi Davies

David Leroi Davies, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and fierce determination.

David was born on May 13, 1937, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, to John Lewis Davies and Emma Veneta Nielson. He spent his formative years in Provo, Utah, where he excelled in athletics at Provo High School, He earned state champion honors in wrestling during his senior year and received all-state accolades in both wrestling and football.

After graduating in 1955, Dave faithfully served an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission, where he shared the gospel and strengthened his testimony of the Book of Mormon—a foundation that would guide him throughout his life.

Dave began his college athletic career at Brigham Young University on the wrestling team, receiving the first-ever wrestling scholarship the university awarded. He also played football for BYU, impressing coaches with his athleticism, and continued both sports after returning from his mission until his graduation in 1962.

In 1959, Dave enlisted in the Army and completed boot camp at Fort Ord in Monterey, California. He served five years in the Army Reserves before receiving an honorable discharge.

On May 4, 1962, Dave married Jana Lee Whiting in the Salt Lake Temple. One month after their wedding, the couple moved to Cardston, Alberta, Canada. They drove away in their brand-new white Chevy Impala, Dave taught Seminary, their first child Karrie was born that winter.

Come Spring, they returned to Utah. Dave was hired to be the Head football coach, Wrestling coach and baseball coach. He performed those positions with great energy and excitement. David Kay was born in Nephi.

Dave felt the need to move to Ogden UT. He was hired then to be a History Teacher, Head Wrestling coach, and an assistant coach for Football. They settled into life in Ogden and stayed in the area for many years more. He passionately mentored countless students. He coached Wrestling at Weber High School for ten years, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. A favorite memory for him occurred just be for the “Little Brown Jug” game against Ogden High School. Weber had a mediocre record that year. Ogden was performing quite well. Dad was asked to pray for the team before they entered the stadium. He felt prompted to “Bless them with ‘Humility in victory’”. Weber upset Ogden in a dramatic fashion. It was the last time the Little Brown Jug Rivalry game was held.

Jed was born during this season of life. Jana was well-advanced in the pregnancy when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Women rarely survived this diagnosis back then. This greatly tested dad’s faith and determination. She was blessed by the stake patriarch that she would be healed from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet. Dad relied on that promise to hold fast with hope.

Jana was unable to have more children. Dave wanted to have more as did Jana. They decided to adopt; 8 years later Michelle Audrey, Jennifer Lee were adopted into the family. Several years later Dakota Lee was also adopted into the family. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on from the sidelines with both encouragement and good-natured critiques of the officials.

He was a devoted scholar of scripture, Dave earned a master’s degree in Near Eastern Studies from Brigham Young University in 1989, He traveled to Israel and visited several sacred sites such as the Garden Tomb, the Shepherds’ Fields of Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. His love for the gospel was evident throughout his life. He served faithfully in numerous callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His callings included teaching Seminary and Gospel Doctrine class. He served as an Elder’s Quorum President, Young Men’s President and as councilor in the Bishopric, And as a Stake High Council member, and in many other service positions. The temple was especially dear to him, and he attended regularly, often several times a week, finding peace and inspiration there until the last months of his life. He was also known for sharing his testimony and his deep knowledge of the scriptures, memorizing passages and hymns to uplift those around him and keep him on the path.

He was also known for his life-long commitment to strength and exercise. He ran late into his life. He started walking when he could run. It was hopeless to ensure someone went with him. Late in his life he worked at the Clearfield Job Corp Center teaching math. His favorite stories were the times when students would challenge him to push-up contests or take-down wrestling drills. Dad always won.

Dave is survived by his children, David (Kailyn), Jed (Nicole), Jennifer, and Dakota (Chris), along with his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Pete.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jana; his daughter, Karrie; parents; and his siblings, John, Mary, Leon, Keith, Kay, Valene, and Veneta.

David Leroi Davies will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his competitive spirit, his love of family, and his dedication to teaching and uplifting those around him. His life was a testament to service, strength, and steadfast devotion to the people and principles he loved.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Ben Lomond 11th Ward Chapel, 3610 North 650 East, North Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.