David Lee Shelton

Our brother, uncle, cousin and friend, David Lee Shelton, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, passed away on June 20, 2023, while on the road in North Carolina. Dave was a long-haul trucker for over 30 years. He loved his job and would oftentimes stop to visit family and friends while on the road in their city. Dave is best known for his grumpy exterior, kind spirit and his love of his family and friends.

Dave was born in Provo, Utah on March 5, 1961, to Clair Dale and Virginia Clements Shelton. Dave became an orphan at the tender age of 1 1/2 after his mother was killed in a car accident. At that time, his father was fighting for his life after being severely burned in an industrial accident. Due to the death of his mother and hospitalization of his father, Dave was raised by his paternal grandparents, Clair and Rose Shelton, in Orem, Utah, where he attended school and graduated from Orem High School. After graduating, Dave joined the Coast Guard where he proudly served from 1979-1985.

Dave never married or had any children of his own. However, he had a close and loving relationship with his nieces and nephews. He was blessed with the title “Uncle” and he took his position very seriously. He was often times referred to as simply Uncle. When his niece, Virginia Rose and her partner, Kelsey Wilkin bought their first home, it came with Dave already living in it. Dave lived with Virginia Rose and Kelsey over 14 years. He adored each of his nieces and nephews, but Virginia Rose held a special place in his heart.

Dave was proceeded in death by his parents, Clair Dale and Virginia Clements Shelton, his brothers, Larry and Bob Shelton, his sister Jo Ann Shelton Gappmayer, and his paternal grandparents, Clair and Rose Shelton. Dave is survived by his sister Janine Shelton; his neices and nephews, Virginia Rose (Kelsey Wilkin) Gappmayer, William (Melanie) Gappmayer, Dan (Katie) Gappmayer, Raquel (Garn) Sever, Sue (Chris) Maltby, Jen Shelton and many other family and step-family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Dave’s honor on July 30, 2023, at the Rotary Park, located at 400 South 200 East, American Fork, Utah, between the hours of 6-8 p.m. Pulled pork sandwiches and drinks will be provided. For those in attendance, we ask that you bring a side dish to share.