One of my earliest memories is sitting on the back porch of Glendale with my daddy and some scrap pieces of 2X4s. He handed me an electric screwdriver and said, “You can do it!” I was 5 years old. It was the coolest thing being able to make something out of nothing. I felt like a big girl, and I could do anything.
Although we were daddy’s girls, he didn’t raise us as such. From target practice at the shooting range, to four-wheeling at the Spillway, to fishing at Cocodrie, Camille and I were never left out of the fun stuff. I can’t imagine it any other way.
Sal’s Sno-Balls was a regular hangout for us. I can feel it now – looking up at daddy, holding his hand, and walking up to Sal’s through the still summer air. The smell of the sweet syrup and pocket change will always remind me of him.
Daddy loved this city. He was born at Baptist Hospital, where Camille and I were also born. He went to St. Catherine’s and De La Salle then continued on to Tulane. He tried to leave once to go to LSU Law School, but that only lasted a semester before he returned to Tulane Law. Baton Rouge was just too far away. He wanted to be at home with his daddy and momma, Philip and Dorothy Shall, on Bayou St. John.
At Tulane, he met his sweetheart and best friend, Margaret Clayton Downing Shall. I hear AT II was the place to be, second only to the DKE house. My mom and dad had the best 42 years together (5 dating and 37 married). Together they raised hell, animals, and children. Their many adventures traveling and fishing often involved the rescue of an animal along the way. One of daddy’s first gifts to mom was a chicken named Jefferson, who loved spaghetti. Mom always says, “Marry a man who can build a cage.” Daddy was always building cages for turtles, ducks, bunnies, and many other animals they brought home. His beloved dogs Heidi and Mike are only two of the countless animals he will be so excited to meet again.
The excitement of seeing your dad on a Krewe D’État float does not become lesser with age. Vivite ut vehatis, vehite ut vivatis! Daddy thoroughly enjoyed the men’s clubs and Mardi Gras krewes he was a part of. Can you believe he wore the same gloves and tails that he bought in college to all of the presentations for me and Camille?
He had friends of all ages and from all walks of life, and he somehow made the whole gambit laugh. He loved his friends, old and new, with a passion. There was always time for a prank or a goofy accent. It didn’t matter if he was at work downtown, at the Nola Motorsports racetrack, or in the backyard with our friends – he made friends and made them laugh. Daddy’s sense of humor was only matched by his professionalism and integrity. He lived life at full throttle.
When you hear the name “David,” you may think of a few people, but there is no other Wildman. Everyone wants a Wildman in their corner.
Unknown Nebraska’s girls would like to thank Deputy Ferrand, Dr. Janz, Dr. Retif, Cynthia, Elijah, Debra, Justice, Crystal, and all of the incredible souls who serve the MICU at UMC every day.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Chapel, 1516 Jackson Ave. New Orleans. LA 70130 on Thursday, May 2nd at 9:30 A.M. followed by a private mass at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in David’s name to The National WWII Museum, the Coastal Conservation Association, or Alaqua Animal Refuge. Email for donation notifications: [email protected]
Preceded in death by:
Philip Barinque Shall, father
Survived by:
Margaret Clayton Downing Shall, wife
Isabelle LaPlace Shall Lewis, daughter (Bradley)
Camille Claiborne Shall, daughter
Dorothy Benedict Mayer Shall, mother
Elaine Michelle Shall, sister
Don Philippe Shall, brother (Trisha)
Phyllis Shall Michel, sister (Gerry)
Jean Shall McAuliff, sister (Eddie)
Many loving cousins, aunts & uncles, and nieces & nephews
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.11.0