Dr. David G. Llewelyn D.D.S., age 77, of West Des Moines died February 1, in Des Moines. David has been a Dentist in West Des Moines in his practice at 701 13th street since 1963. A Memorial service celebrating David's life will be on Saturday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m. at Urbandale United Church of Christ, 3530 70th St., Urbandale, IA. The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 p.m. at the church.
David was born on December 5, 1934, the son of Albert and Hattie Llewelyn of Bloomfield, IA. He graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1960. David and Diane Racine were married in Ames, IA, on June 26, 1960. He spent the next three years as a Navy dentist at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia.
David and Diane moved to West Des Moines in 1963 and he established his dental practice on 7th Street. Two children, David J. and John were born to the family.
David was still an active dentist and saw patients just two days prior to his death. He saw dentistry not only as a job or business, but also as a calling. David was active in the Iowa Dental Association and the American Dental Association throughout his career. He was committed, generous and loving to his patients, family and friends.
His wife Diane preceded him in death on January 25, 1991.
In 1992 he entered into a committed relationship with Paul A. Johnson. On May 31, 2009, David and Rev. Paul Johnson were legally married in a ceremony at United Church of Christ - Congregational in Ames. Paul and David were members of Urbandale UCC but regularly attended the UCC church in Ames where Paul served as Interim Minister for over three years and recently in Grinnell where Paul presently serves as Interim Minister. David was a committed, faithful and active Christian.
David is survived by his two sons and their families: David J. and his husband Jeffrey Morgan of Cambridge, MA, and John and Laurie Llewelyn and their children, Garrett, Jay, and Olivia of Saginaw, MI.
He is also survived by his husband and Paul's family: Paul's daughter Larisa Tong and her husband Hai and their twins, Elliot and Violet of Folsom, CA, and a daughter, Amy and her husband Vince and their children, Elizabeth, Owen, and Lilya of Metamora, IL. Paul's son is Choi Johnson of La Crosse, Wi.
He is remembered and loved by family, patients and many friends who are grateful for sharing his life.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
He was a horrible person! I remember as a 5 year old he was going to pull a tooth for me. I was petrified. I started crying because I was scared. He fucking slapped me! This was back in 1965-66. To this day I tell dentist ad long as I don’t get slapped it’ll all be good. May he rot in hell!
For DJ and John from a loving and somewhat absent Uncle. The loss of a father is tough at any time and my prayers are with you.
Dave & John,
I saw your Dad at a friend's wedding two years ago - your Dad and I recognized each other immediately even though it had been 30+ years. I have very fond memories of your Dad from dental conventions/ meetings. My prayers and thoughts are with your family as I know he will be sorely missed.
Andrea (Heath) Kappelman, daughter of Dr. Jim Heath
Dear Family of Dave,
Blessings to you all. May your memories hold you up and provide tears of joy and many smiles.
Mike and Twila
David and I were classmates at the U. of Iowa Dental School -- class of 1960. Could not help but like this wonderful and always sunny personality. Always had great visits at the various dental functions about everything from past school experiences to the changes in our profession. To you Paul and all of Davids friends there I pass on my sympathy for our loss. However, I for one, am far better for having known him as my classmate, fellow dentist and a very compassionate individual.
The circulation clerks at the WDM library will miss his smiling face. Our condolences to all.
To Paul,John,D.J., and all of Dave's family,deeply saddened to read of Dave's death. Dave was the kindest and most generous of bosses; I worked 8yrs in his office and it was a pleasure to be there with a great staff. Dave will always be remembered most fondly by me. My sympathy and affection to you Paul, and all the family. Peace and prayers, Shannon Brown
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Llewelyn's death, he was the best and always made me smile!
As one of my clinical doctor's in the DMACC Dental Hygiene Program he always had a useful tip or suggestion followed by a word of encouragement and praise. His many years of experience made him a great teacher and mentor and he will be greatly missed by so many.
My deepest sympathies,
To all of Dave’s family, my condolences and prayerful thoughts are with you.
I was in the first dental hygiene class of '76 at DMACC. He will always be remembered for wearing those Hawaiian printed smocks. I then worked for him from 76-78 in the office on 13th. He always had that awesome personality that just makes you smile. He will be missed. Thinking of you and the family.
Paul,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr.Llewelyn has been my dentist since he opened his first office on 13th Street. I was in 7th grade and lived a couple blocks away so I could walk over for my $10 teeth cleaning sessions. My last appointment was on January 19th and we had a nice visit about those early years. He did look tired and I asked him if he was thinking about retirement. Looking at the other tributes, I see he has several other lifetime clients. That speaks for his character. He was a very kind and good man who touched many lives in a very positive way. I always enjoyed his caring and gentle manner and his quick wit and broad knowledge base. Never boring! He will be missed by many! No doubt he will rest in peace.
Dear Paul,
I am Bertha Murillo, your neighbor and I was very sad to read of Dave's passing. Dave and you welcomed Eddie and I so warmly in this area and you have been so kind to me all this time. I am with you in my thoughts and prayers. May the wonderful memories you have with Dave give you strength. Sincerely,
Bertha Murillo
Paul - My deepest sympathies go out to you. My family and I have been Dr. Llewelyn's patients since shortly after he started his practice. We will always remember him as one of the kindest, most caring people we ever knew. He will be missed as our dentist and our friend.
Paul,
We were so very saddened with the news of Dr's passing. This world lost a very kind man. He has been my dentist since before I was married(45 years). He always went out of his way to help. When my husband was out of work he found jobs around the office for him. When our parents were in the nursing home he would make calls to meet their needs. He even searched out items to help me when I was crafting..ha. A very good and kind person. God Bless You.
Dear Rev. Johnson:
My sympathies to you on the death of your loved one, Dr. Llewelyn. It's hard to go through this, but with God on your side, you'll be OK.
Please excuse me if you are not who I think you are. Did you go to Kankakee Senior H. S. and play percussion in the band? If you are not, that's OK. If you are, I'm Nola Hewus, nee Hertz. I played tenor sax and bassoon.
That's all I'll say for now. If you want to contact me, I'm at hewus62@msn.com, or 279-9836.
Blessings to you.
Dear Paul,
We are so sad and have been thinking of you and David with fond memories. We pray you find comfort in this hard time.
Amy Christensen and Ron Lindhart
Paul -
So sorry to hear of your loss. May peace and comfort surround you at this time.
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Urbandale, Iowa 50322
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Urbandale, Iowa 50322
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