David Claire Shultz
1944-2026
David Claire Shultz, age 81, died peacefully at home with family at his side on April 25, 2026.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1944, David spent his childhood in the tropics of Trinidad with his older sister and missionary parents. At age 13, he was sent to finish school in the U.S. and lived with the family of L.T. & Helen Flynt, pastors in Seattle, WA. He attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Karon Neal, while serving side by side with her in the college cafeteria line —one served mashed potatoes, one served gravy, or so the story goes. In addition to completing his bachelor’s degree, he earned a Masters of Divinity degree from the Anderson College School of Theology and later received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, FL. Throughout his more than 43 years of ministry, David served in pastoral roles in California, Indiana, Florida, and Ohio. He also served on the Missionary Board of the Church of God, as Editor-in-chief of Warner Press, and as State Pastor for the Church of God in Southern California. In 2010, Dave and Karon retired to Huachuca City, AZ, where they built a home and thrived for 13 years before moving back to Anderson, Indiana in 2023. David’s creativity and artistic talents were highlighted in his hobbies which included landscape design, piano and music, cake decorating, drawing, writing, even designing some stained glass windows. He passed on a deep love of beauty and nature — of God's handiwork in all sorts of creatures, sunsets, mountains, flowers and trees. He’s also remembered for his silly side, easy laugh, and wide, infectious smile. Many people throughout his ministry heard spiritual truths brought to life through the impactful illustrations and stories he shared in his sermons. He was a gifted, sought-after communicator who traveled the world but was happiest at home. The name "David" means "beloved," which is fitting. He is beloved by his family, the many people he pastored and shepherded, and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents, Claire and Retha Shultz; his sister, Carol (Shultz) Lehner; and his son, Jonathan (from glioblastoma in 2025).
He is survived by his devoted wife, Karon; two daughters and their families, Mimi (husband John Klotz) and Jodi (husband Tom Klepper); and daughter-in-law Mary Scott Hunter (was married to Jonathan). He also leaves behind adoring grandchildren and their families: Kimberly (Klotz) Lyon, Kaitlin Klotz, and Kristine Klotz; Thomas Jordan (TJ) Klepper and Curtis Klepper; Nathan, Annclaire, and Caleb Shultz; great-grandchildren Ezra, Asher, and Simon Lyon, and Owen, Olivia, and Jude Klepper, along with nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
A celebration of David’s life will be held on Saturday, May 30th, at the South Meridian Church of God, 2402 Meridian Street, Anderson, IN 46016. Visitation with family will be from 1-3pm, service at 3pm.
In lieu of sending flowers, memorial donations can be made to Children of Promise (Church of God International Child Sponsorship Ministry) or O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB - Brain Tumor Research WTI 210D, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama, 35294-3300.
Donate online or by mailed check with memo “Jon Shultz Gift for Brain Tumor Research”
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com