David May

David Shane May
September 13, 1970 – June 8, 2025
It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of David Shane May on June 8th, 2025. David passed away while spending the day at Jordanelle Reservoir, doing what he loved; riding Jet Skis and enjoying the outdoors. Though his life was cut short, he left this world having fun and living life to the fullest, just like he always did.
Born on September 13th, 1970, in Salt Lake City, Utah, David was the youngest of eight children born to Theodore John May and Caroleen LaRue May. From a young age, David brought energy and adventure to everyone around him. He kept his siblings (Nan, Marleen, Brenda, Ted, Shauna, Ryan, and Sandra) on their toes, always cracking jokes and pulling pranks. As a child, David proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved riding motorcycles, camping, boating, and was always drawn to the thrill of the outdoors.
David attended Cottonwood High School, where he met his first wife, Sonya Montgomery (Case). They married in 1988 and had four children together. Their hearts were marked by deep love and deep loss with the passing of their son, Zachary May, in 1990; a tragedy that David carried with him throughout his life. His family finds peace knowing that David and Zachary are now reunited.
Later in life, David married Heidi Nippert (Ellington), blending families and welcoming his youngest daughter, April. He was a devoted father to six children: David John May (Chanel), Spencer May (Danielle), Brianna Darger (Joshua), April Rymer (Adam), Summer Gaines, and the late Zachary May.
Being a grandfather brought David immense joy. He often joked that he loved his grandbabies way more than he loved his own kids-which, coming from David, was saying a lot. He leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Anorah, Ellie, Annabell, Royal, Aspen, Jamison, Lainey, and a newborn grandson that he will heartbreakingly never have the chance to meet.
David lived a big, adventurous life. He earned his pilot's license, bought his own airplane, and enjoyed all of the hours he spent in the sky. He took his kids on epic road trips across the country in his semi-truck, never passing up adventures along the way, and making memories that will last forever. He was always up for a boating trip, camping under the stars, or planning the next spontaneous getaway. Wherever he went, David brought joy and laughter.
He was the life of the party, always making sure everyone was included and having fun. His heart was as big as his personality; goofy, spontaneous, endlessly caring, and fiercely loving. Those who knew him were better for it. He had a way of making people feel seen, loved, and important.
David was preceded in death by his father, Theodore May, and his beloved son, Zachary. He is survived by his mother, Caroleen May; his children and their spouses; his grandchildren; his seven siblings; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who adored him.
We invite all who loved David to join us in honoring his life, sharing stories, and saying goodbye to a man who gave so much of himself to others.
An open-house Celebration of Life and viewing will be held on Monday, June 16th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM in the main barn at Wheeler Historic Farm. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, where David will be laid to rest alongside his baby boy.
David Shane May - loving father, proud grandfather ("Papa Bullshit"), brother, son, and friend - will be deeply missed, but his spirit and love will live on in every life he touched.