David Craig Estes

David was born on May 4, 1953 in Wichita Falls, TX to John Love Estes and Ruth Mansfield Estes, where he was raised alongside his two brothers Tom and John. David graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1971 and went on to attend Texas Christian University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

After college, David returned to Wichita Falls where he worked for the family business. He was a loving and devoted father to four children, Parker, Ben and Ginny and a little later in life, Gracie. David relished this role and was immensely proud of his children. During their childhood, he could often be found in Petrolia, TX on a few acres of land with a long dirt road and red brick house, known to all as “The Farm.”

David loved being there, and was always willing to let his children and their friends tag along. He was one of the pioneers of “free-range parenting,” before the term was coined…and loved teaching them how to hunt, fish, ride four wheelers or horses, and even to make BBQ sauce. He could transition seamlessly between shooting clay pigeons with the boys, or a slumber party full of 10 yr old girls with ease.

In 2004, David was blessed with daughter Gracie, and soon after, started a new adventure in Fredericksburg, TX. There, he owned and operated Settlers Crossing Bed and Breakfast. Settlers became a continuation of his passion for being outdoors and in nature…and his love of mowing and watering was known to all.

David and Gracie shared a love of horses and a deep bond was formed. He was her #1 cheerleader, constantly by her side to help fulfill her passion in competitive horse competitions. In his final days, he was right there as she won the first World Championship in youth ranch trail on August 3, 2021. David proudly called anyone and everyone to re-live this moment. He couldn’t help but brag on her and her horse Remy. His unabashed JOY was infectious, some may even go as far as to say this was the happiest day of his life! Gracie brought an immeasurable amount of joy to the last 17 years of David's life. They were the best of friends and we know he will watch from above with pride as she continues her life pursuing her passion and love for horses.

David was “Grandad” to nine grandchildren and took joy in finding ways to teach them about his love of nature and God's creation. He particularly loved his adventures with all of them at Boot Ranch. He took pride in teaching them to ride horses and to help care for his chickens.

However, you can’t talk about David if you don’t acknowledge who he was to so many people. Through God’s grace, David was able to begin a life of recovery from alcoholism on March 3rd, 2000. Helping others recover from a hopeless state of mind and body was, we believe, David’s true gift and calling. David sought God on a daily basis through spiritual and daily meditation. His wish for others would be to seek relationship with Jesus Christ. Although he would legitimately loathe receiving any accolades or credit, it was due to his unrelenting passion to pursue Christ and point others towards him, his no-nonsense way of relating, combined with a disarming smile and mischievous twinkle in his eye, that those who often felt lost….finally felt seen. And through that, God used David to come along side young and old in their journey to recovery. Subsequently, many were lead to a life of abundance and redemption through putting their faith in Jesus, because David chose to do so first.

David was preceded in death by his father, John Love Estes.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth Estes of Wichita Falls, brother Tom and wife Cherri of Adrian, TX, and brother John and wife Nelma Estes of Wichita Falls. Four children, Parker and wife Anne Estes, Ben and wife Casey Estes all of Austin, TX. Daughters Ginny Cadwallader and husband Randy of San Antonio, and Gracie Estes of Fredericksburg. Nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Anna Ruth, Percy, and Dutch Estes. Piper, Lucy, and Georgia Cadwallader and James and Hope Estes. All whom he loved deeply.

David passionately loved the Lord, his family, and friends his entire life. His children would like to thank everyone for their tremendous outpouring of unconditional love and constant prayers for David. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the family is holding a private service. The services will be live streamed on Friday, September 3rd at 10am at https://www.facebook.com/standrews09. We would love for you all to join in on celebrating David’s life with us here.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local chapter of Young Life or this giving link can be directed specifically to Capernaum by adding “Capernaum” in the sponsoring section. There is also a place to add a “tribute” to honor David. Capernaum is about creating a space where teens and young adults with disabilities can meet Jesus and grow their Faith.

https://giving.younglife.org/s/ahyl

Many years ago David gave his life to Christ at Young Life.