David Harold Escue
July 14, 1950 – June 29, 2024
“God made Him (Jesus Christ)
Who had no sin to be in sin for us, that
In Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
Dave Escue was a righteous man. He knew God intimately through the Word and the Spirit of God. He was full of the joy of the Lord.
If ever there was a hole in the world when someone has left…it is now.
Dave was a humble and unassuming man, but a powerful influencer loved by all who knew him. It was his open heart, his self-deprecating humor, his calm under pressure and his ability to bring everything back to prayer. He was deeply intellectual but able to reach every demographic with his love and wisdom. He was a family man, embracing not only his family of birth but the family he married into, and they are ever so thankful for this gracious gift. His humor left everyone feeling brighter and lighter. Anyone who has been around him much has a “Dave story”. Never a dull moment. Dave is a friend of many. He had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved.
It’s been said that a woman should look for a man who prays so faithfully that he doesn’t look up, until he looks at you. That’s what happened when Dave met JuLea Ann Casto in church where they formed a great friendship that led to deep love that lasted and grew richly and then served as an example to so many for almost 43 years. They have both said that one way Jesus showed His love for them was that He brought them together.
He is survived by his devoted wife JuLea, his sister Carol Lavender, devoted sister-in-law, Joy Casto O’Cull (Howard) and brother-in-law, Scott Casto (Linda).
Preceded in death by his parents Howard and Lyndell Escue, his older brother Charles “Buddy” Escue and his brother-in-law (brother) Charles Lavender.
Dave served as an uncle/“honorary” parent to their nieces and nephews: Cali McCormick, Leah O’Kelly, Josh Anderson, Neil Wheatcraft, Allie Tejada (Kevin), Caleb Casto, Jacob Casto, Raven Chandler (Tyler), Sparrow McCormick, Sam O’Kelly, Lisa Walker (Eddie) and Randall Lavender and “Grandpa” to Finn Chandler.
Dave’s life has been filled with joy and laughter and with pain, both experiences were handled in the same fashion, by approaching the throne of our Sovereign God through Jesus Christ and thanking Him for bringing him this way, teaching him, holding him in His righteous right hand, delivering him and keeping him. Filling him with the Holy Spirit and walking with him through the fire.
Dave would want to invite all you to know Jesus as your Savior. And you who know Him to see His Majesty and His greatness, to understand the AWE of Him…His divine Sovereignty.
“When all Your mercies O my God
My wondering soul surveys
Transport with the view I’m lost
In wonder, love and praise”
From The Sovereignty of God by Arthur W. Pink – One of many of Dave’s favorite books.
Funeral will be 2:00pm, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Legg officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Memorial Park. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
My family and I moved beside Dave and Julea 8 years ago. Their friendship has meant the world to us. The world has lost one of the best men God has ever put breath in. He was truly one of a kind, and will surely be missed by our family.
I am so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. He was such a kind and funny guy. I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago when he worked for the State. I pray that God comforts JuLea of who he spoke often in the days to comfort.
Dave now stands in the presence of God & all the questions he & we all ever had are now answered.