David “Dave” Leroy Shelkey, Jr., 89, of Dahlgren, VA passed from this life on August 9, 2023 to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born in Connellsville, PA to David and Evelyn Shelkey. He was the first of five children. His survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Martha Shelkey, and his four children Stuart Shelkey (Carole), Leslie Shelkey, Debbie Shelkey-Lawson (Ricky), and Edward “Ted” Shelkey (Suzanne), grandchildren Adam (Katherine), Olivia (Garrett), Grant, Emily (Richard), Corey (Derek), Jacob, Kenley, Elisa (Larry), Eileen (Brandon), Brendan (Mia), Patrick and Conor.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. David considered himself blessed to have six great grand-children. He is also survived by his sisters Dawn Gilbert, Denise Brown (Robert), and brother Franklin R. Shelkey (Amy), all residing in PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Cynthia Diehl, brother-in-law Donald Gilbert, nephew Jacob Shelkey, and son-in-law Joseph D. Green.

David lived and grew up in Adelaide, PA, on the property of a railroad tie plant where his dad was the superintendent. He learned about the railroad industry while growing up there. When he was older, he worked summers at the tie plant with his dad. He drove the yard engine which stirred a love of all things mechanical. He collected antique mechanical toys and enjoyed working on his own tractors and equipment later in life.

David graduated from Connellsville High School in 1952 and then attended the University of Richmond graduating with a degree in Physics (Sigma Pi Sigma), 1956. His son Edward and grandsons Adam and Jacob followed in his footsteps, all receiving their degrees in Physics. He was recruited by the Naval Proving Ground at Dahlgren as a Physicist.  He lived in the men’s dormitory on base and while there, met his future wife Martha who was living in the women’s dormitory. He actively courted her and she would reply to his notes and letters with heart-shaped homemade cards. They married in 1959 and lived in a housing complex on base known as “Boom Town” for several years before moving off base to their current home.

David worked on several programs at Dahlgren, one of which was the reception and recording of radar signals that were sent into space to detect satellite passes.  He also supported the Missile Pointing and Firing Cut-Out Program.  During his career at Dahlgren, he managed many different programs including Talos, Tarter, and Terrier missile systems. In addition, he worked on the Sea Sparrow (NATO) at Wallops Island.  David finished his career in K Department with two Branch Head positions, one in digital communications and another in testing missile software.

After retirement, David and his wife volunteered for the Red Cross Bloodmobile unit at Dahlgren. He also gave his time supporting the “Volunteer Wheels” program as a driver.  For many years, he volunteered at Caledon State Park.  He helped with many maintenance activities at the park including bush hogging, chain sawing and trail maintenance. Partnering with his wife, he also performed river water testing of the Potomac River at Caledon and served on the Wetlands Board in King George.

David enjoyed fishing as a young man and collected and repaired outboard motors.  He also enjoyed collecting old watches and clocks and expertly repaired them.  He liked to collect vintage railroad and coal mine lanterns and flashlights.  His grandchildren remember that he would allow them to play with only “certain” ones for games of “Flashlight Tag” at night in the yard. David also loved camping trips with his family, hiking and photography. He especially enjoyed a three month long cross-country camping trip he took with his wife Martha to Alaska in their Volkswagen Vanagon. He always remembered it as one of the best trips he ever took.

David attended Trinity United Methodist Church in King George for 60 years where he enjoyed singing in the choir and served on various committees.

The Family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to caregivers Nancy Wing and Runjuan “Joanne” Childress for all their love, support, and help throughout these last several months.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to David’s favorite charities; St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Doctors Without Borders and the Fredericksburg Salvation Army.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 18^th, 6pm to 8pm at Storke Funeral Home, King George, VA. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 19^th, 1pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in King George, VA with Rev. Kevin Elmore officiating. A meal will follow after the conclusion of services in the church Fellowship Hall.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com