David Albert Sleeper's Obituary
David Albert Sleeper, “Dave,” 70 of Alachua, FL, passed away on July 22, 2023.
David was born October 18, 1952, in Schenectady, NY, to David Sleeper and Muriel Kegan. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Michael, his parents David and Muriel, and his stepbrother James Kegan. David is survived by his wife Jan, son David, daughter-in-law Kelly, and their three children Oliver, Jude, and Ezra; two sisters, Sandra Marton and Nancy Cox (John); two brothers, Lionel (Crystal) and Greg Sleeper (Brooke); stepbrother Robert Kegan; stepsisters Barbara Samples and Patricia Kegan; and his nephew Christopher Marton.
David spent most of his life in Florida, graduating high school in Lake Worth. He received a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from the University of Florida in 1975. He spent 32 years with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. Through his work at the USDA, he helped farmers conserve billions of gallons of water with his mobile lab unit. David became an expert in his field, creating and delivering popular training programs. He also wrote and implemented a national computer program to make designing irrigation systems for farmers more accurate.
David married the love of his life, Jan Moen, in 1979 and they were happily married for 43 years. He was a devoted husband and father and considered his family the most important and joyful part of his life. His grandparents George and Marian Sleeper held a special place in his heart. He raised his boys in Wauchula where he was an active member of the community, including Boy Scout Cub Master and helping at St. Michael's Catholic Church. In 2012 he moved to Alachua to be near his son David's family to spend time with his grandchildren.
Known as Papa to his grandkids, their cousins, and extended family, David shared his love of the outdoors with all the children in his life. His greatest joy was helping a child catch their first fish. He enjoyed nature photography, kayaking, boating, and working in his yard. He was talented in fixing almost all things mechanical and technical. He was the embodiment of a good, kind, Christian man.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Madeleine Catholic Church 17155 N.W US Hwy 441 High Springs, Florida with Fr. Sebastian K. George as celebrant. The Family will receive friends one hour prior to Mass, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the Mass.in Father Sebastian Hall. Interment will follow in Newberry Cemetery. All expressions of sympathy including flowers and cards are welcome.
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