David Arthur Depew

1 Chronicles 16:24 - Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples

Genesis 1:31 - God looked at everything he had made and it was very good (this was true regarding David)

2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, and I have kept the faith…

(and a crown of righteousness David has now received)

The family of David Depew announces his passing; David passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his wife by his side on December 3, 2024 in Burbank California. David was born July 10, 1941 and was a resident of Alhambra, and for the past 40 yrs residing in Burbank with his wife Pat. He was a godly man with a strong faith, and a very devoted husband. He was Uncle, and Cousin, to a large and loving extended family.

He is survived by his wife Dr. Patricia R. Depew, and preceded in death by his brother John “Johnny” Paul Depew, and parents Arthur and Esther Depew who were both ordained Wesleyan Pastors with a rich mission-focused family history on both sides. David attended Woodrow Wilson High School, graduating 1958. At Cal-State LA (1960-64) he studied microbiology, and served in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army (1964-66). He later received his LLB from Blackstone School of Law passing the State Bar. In 1985 David (and Pat) studied in Jerusalem at the Institute of Holy Land Studies. He (and Pat) also attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA receiving their Masters in Biblical Studies in 1990; David receiving the prestigious academic honor Summa Cum Laude. David attended Keningston University of Law for his PhD, his dissertation titled “Civil and Criminal Laws of the Dead Sea Scrolls compared to Biblical and Ancient Laws” to which his professor wrote “David’s work shows a truly honest display of godly character as was evident throughout his writing”. David was an active member of The Biblical Archeological Society of Oriental Research, serving as President of the Los Angeles local chapter of B.A.R. for 12yrs. He (and Pat)

had the wonderful opportunity to join the first excavation season of Tel Jezreel archaeological site in Israel. He was active in Creation Research, Jews for Jesus, the LA Astronomical Society, and recognized in “Who’s Who of CA” (1983-84). David was a professor, writer, microbiologist, missionary, archeologist, and active church member. David’s part-time occupation was an FDA detective/investigator/food inspector (and Pat’s part-time occupation registered nurse and professor) which provided the income needed to support them on the mission field. David’s extended family was also very supportive of them. David spoke and read Hebrew and Greek, and you could always find him with three bibles; English, Hebrew, and Greek. He enjoyed illustrations related to scripture and would cut them out and place them in his English bible along with the associated

scripture. David had a great sense of humor and he and Pat laughed often, he loved

pizza, chocolate, and especially Oreo cookies (receiving a box shipped to South Africa

from a family member while teaching there).

As a Christian lawyer, David partnered with other Christian lawyers on litigation-focused

campaigns and initiatives regarding problematic and adverse social issues, many of their

appeals going to the Sacramento Superior Court.

As a writer David wrote for various publications, including “Timeless Laws for Modern

Man” a handbook of civil and criminal laws based on Old Testament scripture and laws.

David wrote multiple articles for Christian’s Answers to Islam (under the group called

answering Islam) with some works translated into Arabic, and other publications

translated into Chinese. David helped edit Pat’s Mission Focus publications, her writings

for Joshua Report and the Global Prayer Digest.

As a missionary, David was President of the LA outreach to Moslems and he (and Pat)

sent by the Wesleyan and Nazarene church to South Africa to teach; while in South

Africa David encouraged Pat to obtain her PhD in Biblical Archeology of the Iron Age.

David (and Pat) also worked with Joint Heirs going to the Province of Ifugao a landlocked

province of the Philippines to teach and organize libraries. For 25yrs David (and

Pat) taught at Chinese seminaries located in Alhambra and Irvine, and were specialized

tour conductors taking study groups to the Holy Land. As members of Village Church

since 1992, David (and Pat) had the encouragement and support of Pastor Wade Mikels

and congregation for their various mission ministries through the years.

David was inspired and prompted by George Otis of High Adventure to do bible study

broadcasts to the people of the Middle East via short-wave radio, and David launched the

Seed of Abraham/Nasel Ibrahim (1984) to reach them in both Arabic and English,

which continue to broadcast today. A sample of David’s work can be found here:

https://www.bvbroadcasting.org/listen/program/seed-of-abraham/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider

making a donation on behalf of David to The Seed of Abraham PO Box 2020 Burbank,

CA 91507-2020

2 Timothy 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker

who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.