March 16, 1934 – Feb. 16, 2024
A pillar of goodness, David Lewis Hartshorn returned to his heavenly home on Feb. 16, 2024 exactly one month shy of his 90th birthday. He lived an exemplary life of faith and was loved and respected by all who crossed his path.
Dave was born in Moorcroft, Wyoming on March 16, 1934 to Sherman Horatio Hartshorn and Elizabeth Mae Grund. He came in as number five of six children in their family. Dave spent his early childhood growing up in Sandpoint, Idaho fishing and exploring in the nearby streams and beautiful country.
At the age of 10, his family moved to Driggs, Idaho. He loved to tell of his experiences growing up in Driggs and could still remember the details all of his days. He was an entrepreneur at a young age as he figured ways to earn money for spending. When he was barely old enough to drive he would contract out to shovel coal and gravel by hand into his dad’s dump truck and deliver it to its intended location where he would again hand shovel it out. That would be the same dump truck he used out of necessity to pick up his date for prom.
Dave finished school at Teton High School, went to engineering trade school, and then joined the Army and served during the ending of the Korean War. He served over seven years in the Army and National Guard. He was recently awarded a plaque for serving 50 years in the American Legion, participating in funeral and Veteran services around the Valley for most of those years. Following his entrepreneurial spirit, he opened the Phillips 66 Service Station in 1957.
He is very proud that his sons continue the business he built adding their own expertise and opportunity. That same year he married Janice Ball, the love of his life. Their dedication to each other brought them a marriage of over 66 years where together they worked hard to establish a home for their four children which has grown by spouses, 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. They hold Grandpa in high esteem knowing that he was patient, kind and genuine and a perfect example of unconditional love and Jesus Christ. He showed them that life is hard but you can live it to the fullest and endure to the end.
Dave treasured his friends and treated all as equals. He quietly provided many acts of service as he willingly shared his love of God, and encouraged all to find their Savior. He was committed to righteous living and encouraged all to follow along.
Dave served continually in his community. For over 30 years he was a Volunteer and for a time Chief of the Driggs Fire Department and was Commissioner of the Teton Valley Fire Protection District. He served 3 terms on the Teton School Board and over 44 years in the Lions Club. He was the President of the Driggs Businessmen Association which later developed into the Chamber of Commerce, Planning and Zoning Chairman where he helped form the first comprehensive plan of Driggs.
He created many memories for himself and others serving in church callings. He and Janice served an 18 month mission to Nairobi Kenya which he describes as a special time to serve side-by-side in the Lord’s vineyard. He loved the temple and their weekly trips went on as long as his warrior body would allow.
Dave was certainly an avid outdoorsman and wore out a few snowmobiles exploring the vistas of Teton Valley. He was a fisherman and one of his favorite spots on earth was under Moran Bay on the frozen Jackson Lake, holding a fishing pole alongside his grandchildren.
This great man was a master at balancing work, play, church, and family. He loved deeply and encouraged you to be better than you thought you could through gentle persuasion and example. In lieu of flowers the family requests you go about doing good things as he did.
Dave is preceded in death by: parents: Sherman and Betty Hartshorn, brother: Hugh (LaRae) Hartshorn, sister: Shirley (Leroy) Thornock, sister in law: Judy Hartshorn and grandson: Benjamin Levi Hartshorn.
He is survived by his wife: Janice, siblings:, Grace (Orville) Reece, Richard (Janice) Hartshorn, Jane (Harold) Beck, children: James Alan (Karen) Hartshorn, Linda Jane Bergeson, Wayne David (Cynthia) Hartshorn, and Christine (Greg) Steed, 16 wonderful grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.