In Memoriam
As time goes by, many of our old friends are called to their
reward. This page is dedicated to their memory and their love and dedication to
Texas.
David was a proud Texan, born in 1940 at Llano. He grew up on the rivers and ranches of the Texas Hill Country. He was a lifelong learner educated at Texas A&M and grad school at Sul Ross University. A lover of books, and eclectic in his taste, he was known for lively discussion of history. He served in the US Army, in Germany in the mid 1960's. Later he served in the Texas Army, a ceremonial unit of historical reenactors, receiving his colonel's commission from Governor Perry.
David made his home at various times in Alpine, Terlingua, Luckenbach, Austin, Boerne, and Phoenix, or thereabouts in lesser known villages, deserts, hills, woods and waterholes. After leaving the army in 1966, he made a living as a skilled builder applying historical techniques, especially in adobe and log construction. He worked for a time in the restoration of the Mission San Jose and structures at LBJ National Historical Park. He also built historically accurate log houses for clients across Central Texas. These structures stand as a memorial to him and to the pioneers of this land, "as long as you keep a good roof on them", he would say. He felt a special connection to those pioneers when he worked with his hands.
Those large hands... Many remember David's huge hands could deliver a gentle
handshake conveying honesty and friendship. In conversation he was a good
listener, though he could cuss-up some fine olde English when working hard. You
had to love him for it. The women and children remember his mannered gentleness
in contrast to his big, rough frame and bushy beard. He was a gentleman. Married
and divorced twice, (first to Marie, later to Eleanor) most would agree David
was no ordinary human being.
David lived life on his terms.
David was ranching at Castell on the Llano before he began his fight with cancer in 2009. He enjoyed a remission, made new friends and put affairs in order. His final days turned quickly just before Christmas. Now he's gone, no more to walk this earth, but he will be remembered...and missed.
God & Texas Tom Byrd & Col. Charlie Yates
