David Lawrence Scovill

On the evening of October 4, 2025, at the age of 89, David L. Scovill received his long-awaited "ticket" to depart this life for his eternal Home! He was quietly and peacefully ushered into the Presence of the Lord Jesus around 7:25 pm with his daughter Dawn in attendance, fulfilling his desire to go straight from his home in Blythewood, SC to God's. We celebrate with him the gift of his new, fully restored body, and the wonder of his faith that has now been made sight as he joins many other family and friends, including thousands of Danis, around the Throne!
Born on April 11, 1936 in Pine City, Minnesota, David was the second child of Gordon and Dorothy (Steele) Scovill, farmers in the Askov community. The family would be blessed with six more children resulting in lots of work, laughter and fun in the old farm house. Farm life left its indelible mark on David's young life and heavily shaped his values, his work ethic, and his life experience.
As a young man, Dave attended and graduated from Prairie Bible College in Alberta where he also met his future bride, Esther L. McKerihan. Together Dave and Esther were challenged by the vast needs of the indigenous peoples of Dutch New Guinea whose languages were yet unwritten, and who had never heard the Gospel message, especially those of the Dani people living in the mountainous central-highland region of what is now known as Papua. Dave and Esther joined Crossworld (UFM Int'l), arriving among these friendly, energetic people in 1960, and serving them as linguists, medical care providers, literacy teachers, Bible translators, and Bible teachers. Over almost 60 years of their ministry, they heavily contributed to the discipleship and growth of the Dani church, as well as spearheading ministry efforts and outreach among other unreached tribal groups on the island.
While his legacy is probably most marked by his deep understanding of the Dani language and people, and his tenacious drive to complete the translation of the whole Bible into Dani, Dave was a man of many talents and good humor. His stories were riveting, and his laughter contagious. Using lessons he learned on the farm, he worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions and nutritional resources for the Dani people. He taught them to pit-saw lumber, and built multiple homes for his family as well as churches and schools for the Dani throughout the valleys in which he served. He also heavily invested in mission leadership, church leadership, and eventually authored three books: The Amazing Dani based on his experiences among the Dani; Out of the Dark Triangle - a story based on the life of Karlos, a man he discipled in Papua; and David: Beloved – a story about lessons he and Esther learned through the tragic accident that took their son's life at just 16 years of age. Music, especially playing coronet duets with his son, David, brought him much joy. On occasion, Dave would comment that his only regret was not having more lives to invest for Christ!
Dave was predeceased by his son, David B. Scovill in 1983; his wife of almost 61 years, Esther L. Scovill in 2020; his parents, and two siblings, Philip and Darlene. He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Fain (John), his four grand-children, 11 great-grandchildren, five remaining siblings Donald, Doris, Daniel, Dorie, and Esther, and many nieces and nephews.
A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at HOPE Church, 2609 Seminole Road, Columbia, SC 20210 on November 1st at 10:30 am. An option to watch the service livestreamed is also available at https://hopechurchcola.online.church/