David A. Shufelt, 78, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 3, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Coffeyville Community College on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1967, where he met his wife Connee of 57 years. After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1969, he earned his Juris Doctor with Honors from Washburn University in 1973, clerking for the Supreme Court of the State of Kansas.
After working on his family’s dairy farm, David practiced law for over 40 years, most recently as an Administrative Judge in Workers Compensation for the State of Kansas. In his spare time, he read voraciously, played guitar and sang (if you can call it that?), and enjoyed traveling to see his children and grandchildren. In his later years, he taught himself to sail, enjoying many hours on the “high seas” of Clinton Lake.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Shufelt and Eula Hall Shufelt, and his sister Helen Trahern. He is survived by his wife, Connee; his children, Jeff Shufelt (and wife Stacey Jacobs), Rob Shufelt (and wife Becky), and Kate Hannings (and husband Morgan); his sisters, Mary Mahon, Barbara Buzard, and Leslie McConnell; and his grandchildren, Evan, Grant, Chloe, and Skyler. He will be missed by all who knew him, for his kindness, sense of humor, and his easy grin.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated, and no services will be held. Donations in his memory may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association (kansasvna.org/donate).
Connie and the rest of your family, Dennis and I are very sorry to hear of David’s passing. We were not aware of his illness. We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone during this difficult time.
Dear Connee, I was very sorry to read about David’s passing. He was a great guy in every respect. I regarded myself as lucky to be his doctor for so many years. Everything mentioned in the obituary was true except about his singing! RIP David
Jerry Pees
I worked with David at Worker’s Compensation. I was a younger employee to join the group and he was always was cordial, smiling, and professional. We always talked KU basketball and I listened to stories about his boating adventures. He always carried himself as a professional and I always respected that! I have many memories at the annual Worker’s Compensation Conferences supporting the IT needs and listening to him and his professional attorney friends rib each other about the topics for that particular year! David often shared stories of his family and was always very proud to share their successes and challenges.
My thoughts and prayers to his family. He will was a terrific man that I was blessed to know.
David hired me when the Workers Compensation law created Fraud investigators. He was an awesome person who gave me knowledge about how workers compensation functioned. He joked about starting a Krispy Kreme franchise after retirement in Florida. I hope he is enjoying them along with his Little Debbie’s! God bless his family and hold them near.
My deepest sympathy to David’s family. I worked with David at the workers compensation division. He had a great smile and a great sense of humor with a good touch of irony. I enjoyed talking music and KU basketball with him. Blue skies and calm seas David
David was an absolutely terrific guy and excellent listener. Very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.
Connee, Kate & Morgan,
I am saddened to learn of David’s passing. He was such a nice member of our Deerfield Creek neighborhood. I will miss his warm smile…
I worked with David for many years at workers comp. I hadn’t seen him since I retired in 2010. He was such a great person. Prayers and condolences to the family. Rest in peace, David. 🙏🙏
David and I were Assistant Directors at KDOL and also rabid KU basketball fans. We used to talk about his boating adventures,
while on vacation in So .Cal, I took a shot of a boat drifting into the sunrise, The freedom and beauty of that shot represented David. I will miss him.
Sending love and prayers at this time of loss.
I knew David for over 40 years and worked with him for 20. It was always a pleasure to talk with David. He would greet you with a smile and soon have you smiling with his affability and charm. A true gentleman.
David was the kindest individual. I will miss hearing him tell stories of the farm, of his grandkids (sneaking candy from the drawer with Chloe) and how many snacks it took to get him to Destin, FL to vacation with Connee. Miss you David. May your life be a blessing to all.
So sorry for your loss. I have some wonderful memories of David. Such a wonderful person ❤️
We are very sorry to hear of David’s passing. During my years on the Board I grew to respect his knowledge and commitment to the job. He was always a voice of calm during some very hectic times. Again, for his family, we are sincerely sorry for your loss.
Connie and family so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I worked with Connee at Hallmark Cards many years ago and knew David. They were a nice couple!