David Shepley

David N. Shepley, 78, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

David was born on May 22, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dale and Jacqueline Shepley. He graduated from Ballard High School in Huxley, Iowa, attended Iowa State University, and later graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. After college, David became a teacher in Defiance, Iowa, where he started and coached a girls basketball team. He later moved to Council Bluffs and began his 30-year career with the Omaha World-Herald.

David was married to Lila Joens, and together they were blessed with two children, Corey and Angela.

David is survived by his sister, Connie Baker; brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Roylene Shepley; his children, Angela Mackerman and Corey (Dustie) Shepley; and his beloved grandchildren, Ian Mackerman, Aden Mackerman, Sutton Shepley, and Drue Shepley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Jacqueline Shepley; brother, Gary Shepley; nephew, Noel Shepley; brother-in-law, Rex Baker; and former wife, Lila Hill.

Known affectionately as Pop, Grandpa, or Papa D, David found the greatest joy of his life in his grandchildren. He was involved in every way a loving and supportive grandpa could be, attending nearly every practice, game, and event, cheering them on with a smile and all the pride a grandfather could hold. He not only supported his own grandchildren, but he also cheered for every child on the team-he could tell you something positive about each one by name. He taught his grandkids countless lessons and showed them what it meant to love the world around them.

David will be remembered for his loving and supportive heart as a grandfather, father, brother, and friend to those he loved most. He could spend hours sharing stories from his childhood, recalling every name, place, and moment with vivid detail-and he sure could tell a good story. His love for the Lord guided his life, and he shared that love through his actions more than words ever could. He loved his family with all his heart, always putting the needs of others before his own.

David's legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and through the many lives he touched along the way.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Tish's Restaurant. (1207 S 35th St, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501)

Interment will be held in Cambridge, Iowa, in the spring of 2026.