David A. Gomez

Weslaco- David A. Gomez Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 14th, 2023, surrounded by his family. David was born on September 11th, 1934, to Santiago Gomez and Sara Garcia in Harlingen, Texas. David grew up on a farm in Los Indios. During his childhood, David's parents instilled the value of hard work. David's father, Santiago, worked tirelessly to purchase the acreage so the Gomez family could begin farming and leasing his own land. A few of David's daily chores were, feeding and watering the horses, milking cows, and caring for the many other animals on the farm. 

David attended school in San Benito, where he was active in sports, especially football. After graduating from San Benito High School, David joined the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and began taking engineering courses at Texas Southmost University. When David's father passed away in 1955, he was needed back home to manage the family farm. He continued taking classes part-time and switched his major to Education. 

Around this time, in 1958, he and some friends were at 77 Bowling Alley in Harlingen when Elia and her friends arrived to find no empty lanes. David and his friends quickly invited the group over to share theirs. The rest is history. David and Elia were an instant match. They were married on November 25th, 1960. David went to work as a teacher with emergency certification at San Benito ISD. He continued attending Pan American University on evenings and weekends. David also served in the National Guard, working full-time and eventually earning his Bachelor's Degree in 1966. 

David went to work for the Weslaco School District. The ambition and drive he had learned as a child were relentless, and David decided to pursue a Master's Degree. He and his colleagues made the long drive to Kingsville after work, and in 1972, David earned a Master's Degree in Education from Texas A&I. 

David and Elia made Weslaco their home. They raised their family, daughters Elvia and Tirza, and son David. David Sr. continued climbing the ladder at the Weslaco Independent School District. He worked as a bus driver, P.E. Coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal, Federal Programs Director, Special Services Director, and Administrator. For over three decades, David's colleagues described him as humble, kind, compassionate, generous, and intelligent. He always greeted you with a smile and never lost his temper. Instead, David was the one who could settle a dispute and bring peace and harmony in the most tumultuous situations. David was a great leader, and his character was unwavering. 

David loved his community and was a contributor in countless ways. David was an active member of the Weslaco Mid Valley Lion's Club, Weslaco Little League, WHS Panther Baseball Booster Club, Texas Community Education Association, Inc., and Association for Compensatory Educators of Texas, to name a few. 

When David wasn't working or volunteering, he loved all sports. His favorites were Weslaco Panther and Wildcat football, basketball, and baseball. David was a season ticket holder for both Panthers and Wildcats most of his life. He was the number one fan of his children and grandchildren. David, who later earned the nickname "Popo," was the biggest cheerleader and loudest fan in the stands. 

David was a man of unwavering faith. He attended mass at St. Joan of Arc regularly with his family. David loved and respected Elia and raised their children in the Catholic Faith. After Elia's passing, David felt compelled to return to the Presbyterian church. He was honored to be elected as an elder at San Pablo Presbyterian Church in 2019, a fitting and dignified position for a man whose life exemplified character. 

David is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Elia, his daughter Tirza L Garcia, and sisters Maria Jaehne, Noemi Barta, and  Hilda Golden.

He is survived by his son,  David Gomez Jr., and his wife, Veronica Gomez, of Weslaco; his daughter, Elvia Gomez of Weslaco, grandsons, Justin P. Gomez (Callie) and Jacob F. Gomez; granddaughters, Jocelyn R. Gomez and Linda L. Gomez, brother, Jimmy Gomez (Sylvia), brothers in law, Skip Jaehne, Lee Barton, and Paul Golden, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, May 19th, 1-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm. Funeral service will be celebrated Saturday, May 20th,  at 1 pm at San Pablo Presbyterian Church in Weslaco, followed by entombment at Highland Memorial Park. 

Justin Gomez, Jacob Gomez, Ron Miller, Carlos Martinez, Robert Casas, and Aldo Cantu will serve as pallbearers.