David James Broadbent

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David James Broadbent, 84, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2024, surrounded by family. David was born in Logan, Utah, on Oct 17, 1939, to Dee Albert and Belva Wilson Broadbent.

He attended Logan High School where he met Kaye Jean Kennington. With David’s suave introduction, they soon became high school sweethearts. They were married on Aug 10, 1959, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

David and Kaye started their family journey in Logan, Utah, where David graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology. While in Logan, they added son, Tom. The family moved to California for a new job and Warren and Mike joined the family.  In 1967, David and Kaye moved to Racine, Wisconsin, where James and Heather completed their family unit.   

They stayed in Racine as David worked to support their family for 30 years with SE Johnson Wax in Research and Development. At work, he researched how different chemicals functioned but didn’t resort to only the traditional uses. He was sought after by colleagues for his opinion and impressed his team with creative ways to solve problems. He revolutionized the insect chemical industry and has multiple patents for his efforts.

 David was at home in the outdoors. He loved ‘getting lost’ in the mountains. One of his favorite places was Yellowstone. In fact, he took his new bride on their honeymoon there. Fortunately, they left the day before the big Yellowstone earthquake of 1959.

David started his love for the outdoors as a young boy working on the family ranch shepherding sheep. He’d spend many summers working alongside his uncles and grew to love working with his hands. Later in life he would spend many hours gardening and his specialty was growing roses so he could give them to his sweet Kaye. 

Family was important to David. Some of our family’s favorite memories are when he would tell stories about his childhood, his work or even some wild stories about fish drowning. His face would glow and he would include his special sound effects. Lastly, time with Grandpa had to include a game of ‘Pollyanna.’ When you beat Grandpa it was a significant accomplishment. 

In 2001, Kaye and David moved from Wisconsin to Smithfield, Utah, after David retired to be closer to family. After retirement, he kept busy refining his yard with plants. But mostly he cherished the extra time with his wife and gently took care of her until her passing. He was a simple but elegant man -  often quiet but when he spoke it was worth listening. 

David was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Kaye enjoyed serving as ordinance workers in the Logan, Utah temple.

He is survived by his 4 sons and 1 daughter, 11 grandkids, 16 great grandkids. His children are, David Thomas (Monica) Hyrum, Utah; Warren Dee (Eleanor), Clinton, Utah; Michael Jay (Helen), Aurora, CO; James Dee (Becki) Kearns, UT; Heather Kaye (Anton), Velingrad, Bulgaria. He is also survived by his siblings, Vay (Clive) Walker, Alene (Ramon) Stucki, Curtis (Marilyn) Broadbent, and Kent (Meg) Broadbent. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Kaye Jean, his parents, brother Tommy, as well as brother-in-law, Jack Stephens.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 12 noon at Nelson Funeral home in Logan, UT. A viewing will take place before  the funeral from 10:30-11:30am on Thursday. Funeral services will be held ono Thursday, May 30th at 12:00 pm in the Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan.  There will be a viewing from 10:30 - 11:30 am.  Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com  Funeral services will be broadcast live via ZOOM at www.allenmortuaries.com