David Hugh Habel

David Hugh Habel, aka “The Kid,” age 76, returned to his heavenly home on December 12, 2017. He left a legacy of service and a love of adventure. He truly lived and died in the labor of love for others.

David was born on November 7, 1941 in Great Falls, Montana to Richard and Lucille Habel. He was the second oldest in a family of three brothers; Richard, Steven and Clyde Habel and one sister, Cindy Tope. He served in the Central Atlantic States Mission 1961-1963 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After several jobs working hard to support his growing family, he was able to follow in his father’s footsteps and worked for the Burlington Northern, Santa Fe Railroad for 30 years. He retired in 2005. He often said he loved working for the railroad so much, he couldn’t believe they paid him!

He met his sweetheart Henrietta Delores Edwards in a Book of Mormon class at Brigham Young University. They were married on April 2, 1965 in the Manti Utah Temple. David and Delores had 9 children, but found that they had more love to give and opened their home to many others who found it easy to call him “Dad.”

His great goal in life was to serve another mission. David and Delores served in the Tallahassee Florida Mission from September 2013 - March 2015. He and Delores also served in the Columbia South Carolina Temple. They were married for 52 years.

He loved his family, especially his 46 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Each year on all of their birthdays he sends cards, money and love. Several of his grandchildren have mentioned that they will miss his warm hugs and fishing trips. He and Delores traveled many miles by car to see their grandchildren and families for special events and to stay connected.

David lived a life of service until the end. He believed in God, in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and spent his life loving and serving others. He was excited about having action in his life and loved hunting, fishing, and telling stories with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by many.