David Anthony Halbison, Jr., age 64, passed away on November 9, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. David was born in Casa Grande, Arizona on November 14, 1953 to David (Sr.) and Marlene Halbison; the second of eight children. He moved to Sacaton, AZ as a small child and attended school in Casa Grande. As a youth, David played football, worked at ‘Arizona Traders’ (the family grocery store), and upon graduating from high school joined the Army National Guard. After his military service, he returned home to work in his father’s store until it was destroyed by fire in 1991. Following the fire David switched careers, going to work for Frito Lay, where he was recognized multiple times for his exceptional sales leadership. After 26 years, David retired to spend more time with his growing family.
In 1988, David married LaDawn Flake and his three children and her five children became their children. With the arrival of their two daughters, Kelli and Ashley, the family was complete.
David’s life was one filled with service to his family, friends, and church. He served as a worker for five years in the Mesa and Gilbert temples, he cleaned and maintained the San Tan church building, and he served in a variety of church callings. David loved being outdoors in the White Mountains and on the beach at Rocky Point. He was an outstanding softball player, an ace handyman, and most recently, an off-road racer in his side-by-side ATV. He will be remembered for his faith, work ethic, endearing humor, and kind heart.
David is survived by his wife of 30 years, LaDawn Flake Halbison; children and spouses, David Halbison III (Kelly), Kirk Halbison (Brooke), Jimmy Halbison (Kacey), Kelli Porter (Brandt), Ashley Fitzpatrick (Vaughn), Shauna Jarvis (Brad), Brian Carpenter (Jennifer), Heather Arave (Dustin), Crystal Brown (Peter), and Steven Carpenter (Kelly); brother, Matt; sisters, Donna (Kirke), Mary, Lori (Mark), Lacy, and Jennifer (Mat); 32 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, David and Marlene, and sister, Debbie.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 10:30am at the Partridge Ward Chapel, 4346 South Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona 85297, with a viewing beginning at 9:00am. A graveside service will immediately follow at San Tan Memorial Gardens, 22425 East Cloud Road, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142.
Condolences and flowers can be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.
This made my eyes water. LaDawn, I am so happy you and David had the chance to meet again and get married. I know he was/is the love of your life. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. ❤
We are so thankful we got to visit him one more time before he passed. We loved him so and also you, LaDawn. He certainly knew how to live life to the fullest and I am sure you have so many fun memories of your trips and adventures! We love you! ❤️
My lovd for you and your strength is ENORMOUS! LOTS OF LOVE AND REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES! AS I TOLD YOU BEFORE I AM SO GLAD YOU AND DAVID GOT BACK TOGETHER! YOUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER WAS UNDENIABLE…GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY LADAWN 😙😚😉
I’m so glad to have gotten to have you in my life working at Arizona Traders you were a comedian a hard worker a great friend! Glad to see how happy you were with the love of your life! Having such a big family and lot of grandkids . I can see all the love you had when you shared your adventures! RIP with your family that have departed i’m sure they are waiting for you!!!