David Earl Persons, 73, of Florence, Ore., passed away after a brief illness on May 6.  He was born on Aug. 26, 1937 to Earl and Viola Persons in Superior, Wis. At a very young age his family moved to Nevada, where they settled in the small town of Fernley . He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, before attending school to become a mortician. David worked as a mortician for nearly 45 years before retiring to Florence, Ore. in 1999.

David married Lucy Anna Atkinson on Dec. 30, 1959. Together they raised seven children. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Turlock, with a renewal of wedding vows witnessed by family and friends. 

Over the course of his life, David lived and worked in various towns and cities before settling in Turlock in 1980. He worked at both Whitehurst & Norton and Allen mortuaries. He viewed his job as a ministry, and an opportunity to help and console others during their times of sorrow and loss.  He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church.  He was well respected by all who knew him and will always be remembered as a kind and gentle person.

David is survived by his wife, Lucy; sons, Fred Persons (Safina), Joe Persons (Jami), John Persons (Mindy), Greg Persons, Jeff Persons (Olga) and Tony Persons (Linda); and daughter, Ellen Damin (Scott). He also leaves behind sister, Carol Walsh; and 18 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fredric; and one grandchild. 

A funeral Mass is planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 at Our Lady of the Dunes Catholic Church in Florence, Ore. A private interment will be held at a later date at the National Cemetery in Fernley, Nev.