David Allen Shapley

David Allen Shapley was born on May 13, 1942, to Donald and Anna Shapley. Though he was their 3rd child, he and his older sister, Julia, would often hear of the brother who lived just one day, two years before David was born.
His childhood was a happy one; David joined his dad on Cub Scout adventures, proudly learning many important skills while using this time to bond with his dad, the Cub Scout Leader.
David enlisted in the Navy in April, 1962. During this time, he trained on a Navy Destroyer along the east coast, the USS Soley, and found himself at Naval Base Coronado in southern California. He also found himself in love, shortly after meeting his wife, Dulcie Diane Peet, on a blind date in San Diego.
David and Diane married while still in San Diego on April 11, 1965, and moved back to his home town of Wichita, KS. He remained in the Navy Reserves until January, 1968. During the early years of their marriage, David held various jobs for the City of Wichita and enrolled in drafting classes where he could put his artistic talent to use. He was later able to use these skills as an inspector in the aircraft field, working for Beech, Learjet, Cessna and Boeing along with smaller aircraft manufacturing companies.
David and Diane welcomed 2 daughters and a son but in 1976, they went their separate ways. Eight years later, David would return, realizing the very God his family served was the same God he yearned to follow as well. He and Diane were remarried on August 19, 1984.
Ezekiel 11:19: And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.
Throughout his life, David enjoyed playing the guitar, writing songs and singing them with his wife and children. His artwork included sketches, cartoons, caricatures and paintings. He had an old-fashioned sense of humor and loved to make others laugh with many of his pieces accomplishing this very goal. Along with his son, Derek, he took on another artistic project over the course of 4 years: restoring a 1965 Pontiac Tempest. They enjoyed entering it in local car shows and receiving multiple awards for this "Blue Beauty".
In 1996, David and Diane began ministering to those behind bars and that continued for 26 years. Their messages came to be known as "toast": the bread of life prepared for those who hungered. David loved to share his testimony of Jesus' power with others; many times encouraging them to read the book of John, the 4th Gospel in the New Testament. John 14:27 was his favorite verse: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid".
David had learned that forgiveness comes to those who turn and seek God with their whole heart and this was a lesson that followed him until God called him home on July 31st. Throughout his life, he was reminded that when we pray just as King David prayed in Psalm 51, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me", God will hear and welcome us to him as His own. David's life was a testament of God's unfailing love and merciful kindness and it was his desire that this be a reminder to all who knew him.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Anna, brother Donald Wayne and sister, Julia Ann. He is survived by his wife, Diane, son Derek, daughters Debra (Primo), Desiree (Rene), 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Funeral services for David will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00 am in the chapel of Cornejo Funeral Home. Private interment will take place at a later time.
We encourage you to share a memory, leave condolences, or sign David's digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home & Crematory.