This biographical sketch is adapted from the "News
of the Church: Elder F. David Stanley of the Seventy" published in the
Ensign for September 1992 on the occasion of Elder Stanley's call
to the Second Quorum of the Seventy.
Elder F. David Stanley, recently called to the Second
Quorum of the Seventy, was born 11 September 1935 and reared in what he
calls a “blue collar neighborhood,” surrounded by the people of the Salt
Lake Pioneer Stake. From them and from his
father, a mechanic, David learned the importance of working hard and
excelling in any assigned task.
“They were tremendous, hardworking—people of fine
integrity. I learned from them that you get the job done and you get it
done right,” Elder Stanley recalls. “I learned from them that you get the
job done and you get it done right.”
Elder Stanley says that his neighbors also had an
impact on his developing testimony.
“I had an Aaronic Priesthood adviser who was a spiritual
giant,” Elder Stanley says. “I still remember my feelings as I listened
to his powerful lessons. It was the first time in my life I remember focusing
in on the Spirit, and I thank God for that man.”
Elder Stanley credits these examples with helping
him attain the strong spiritual foundation that has been vital to his success
in Church callings—especially as a young bishop of an older ward.
“I was 26, but most of the members were older,” remarks
Elder Stanley. “But I had learned that when you’re given an assignment,
you just jump in and do it.”
Elder Stanley has had plenty of opportunities to
jump in and serve. He has worked in ward, stake, and general Young Men
organizations. He has been a stake president, a regional representative,
and a sealer in the Salt Lake Temple. At the time of his call, he was serving
as president of the Idaho Boise Mission.
Elder Stanley attended the University of Utah, studying
business and education. On 29 June 1956 he married Annette Shewell. The
couple have eight grown children.
In his professional life, Elder Stanley has remained
active in his community. He has worked as vice-chair on the Salt Lake City
Planning and Zoning Commission, a member of the Murray City Chamber of
Commerce, and vice-president of operations
for Western Utility Contracting.
Elder Stanley served the term of his five-year call
to the Second Quorum of the Seventy and was honorably released on October
4, 1992. Following his release as a General Authority, Elder Stanley
served three years as president of the Bountiful Utah Temple. Upon his release as
Temple President, he was appointed Public Works Director and Homeland Security
Chief of Salt Lake County (not City) by Mayor Nancy Workman.
