David B. Openshaw

February 3, 1949 - April 21, 2026

Dallas, Texas - David Byron Openshaw was born on February 3, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Laura Beth (Savage) Openshaw and Byron J. Openshaw. He was the eldest of six children and a proud graduate of Skyline High School. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Juris Doctor in 1979. While serving as student body officers at the University of Utah, he met Linda Leek, his wife of over 50 years.

David practiced law with the federal government, several large oil exploration companies, and as a defense attorney for a litigation firm. He was a member of the Utah State Bar and the State Bar of Texas.

In 1986, David and his family moved to Texas, eventually settling in Rockwall County. His favorite hobbies included reading, particularly history, photography, playing, watching, and coaching basketball, and, later in life, perfecting French and Italian cooking. David loved to travel; he visited all 50 states and Europe. He was an avid University of Utah sports fan and was delighted to attend the Rose Bowl twice to watch Utah play.

David was the father of five children: Amy (Matthew) Milstead, Alison (Benjamin) O'Barr, Lauren (Joshua) Maxon, Patrick (Kaci) Openshaw, and Lindsay Openshaw. He was a proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, seven boys and two girls: Gibson, Henry, Sam, Travis, Hudson, Cooper, Brody, Sadie, and Lana. David loved spending time with his family.

David passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 21st. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 10:00 a.m. (Central) on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall, Texas. A livestream link can be accessed here: https://tinyurl.com/DavidOpenshawfuneral

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Published by Deseret News from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2026.