David Shell

1945 - 2010

David Lee Shell
1945-2010
David Lee Shell was born October 10, 1945 in Santa Maria, California. He was born to Preston Wyatt Shell and Luella Margaret Shell. David graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1964 where he met his high school sweetheart Diane Elaine Kester. After High School David attended Hancock Junior College where he graduated and received an AA Business degree in 1966. David Shell and Diane Kester were married on July 29, 1967. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967 and served until 1973 where he spent almost a year in Vietnam as an Aircraft Mechanic. While serving in the Air Force he received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After returning home from the war, he went to work for the family business at Shell's Van and Storage. Although David was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1974, he continued to work at the business throughout the years eventually becoming Vice President.
David was a quiet person, but was known to make others laugh. He loved the outdoors especially water-sking at Nacimiento Lake, clamming at Pismo Beach back in the days, camping, and four wheeling in the dunes. David also enjoyed hunting, working on cars, and almost anything mechanical. Although the outdoors was a love for him he spent time working on model trains, watching Football (especially the 49ers), watching racing live at the Santa Maria Speedway or racing on TV, shopping, and bingo whether it was at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge or at Chumash Casino. David also had a love for music especially the "oldies". The Big Bopper, The Beach Boys, and Crystal Gayle were just a few of his favorites. He loved listening to the Central Coast Fiddlers even most recently.
David passed away suddenly, but peacefully at a routine visit to his hospital at the VA Spinal Cord Injury Center in Long Beach, due to complications of Multiple Sclerosis. He is preceded in death by his father Preston Wyatt Shell, and wife, Diane Elaine Shell on July 15, 2009. He is survived by his mother Luella Shell of Santa Maria; brother Gordon Shell (friend Jim) of Oakland CA; son Aaron Shell (Marsha) of Lakewood CA; daughter Heather Campbell (Scott) of Santa Maria; two grandchildren Jeremy and Luke Campbell of Santa Maria; and two loving dogs Peaches and Ginger. Other surviviors include his father-in-law Donald Kester; sisters-in-law Carol Jensen of Melbourne, Australia and Debby Parrish (Tom) of Santa Maria; brother-in-law Frank Freitas of Santa Maria; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as great-aunts and great-uncles.
David will always be remembered by his humorous nature, and yet quiet and warm personality. He had a good heart, and was caring about helping others. He brought laughter to our family. His humorous nature, and quiet spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service for David will be held on October 29, 2010 at 10:00am at the Orcutt Presbyterian Church. A burial will follow at the Santa Maria Cemetary in the original section. We will honor both our parents who passed away so suddenly and close together with a reception at their home. If you desire please make a contribution to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or the American Cancer Society. A Memorial guestbook has been set up in his name at Legacy.com for friends and family to write a remembrance of him.