David Bruce Letson

David Bruce Letson, age 91, passed away on August 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with both Alzheimer’s Disease and Lung Cancer. Born on May 14, 1933, he brought immense joy to those around him in Phoenix, NY. David’s journey touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of humor, friendship, and strength. His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, while wearing a smile, was an inspiration to all who knew him.

David was the youngest of six children, loved playing sports at school, enjoyed big band music and his favorites were Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. When Dave was just 18, he decided to join the Air Force and served during the Korean war. He was first stationed in Biloxi, MS. Later, he was stationed in Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Wash. in 1955.

While stationed there in Spokane, he met his future wife, Lois Joann Graham, at a military dance on the base. They married a year later and moved to New York state. Those were happy times for the young couple, David attended college at Cornell University, where he studied Business and Human Resources. David and Joann had their first child, Mark Howard Letson. Shortly thereafter, David took a position in California, where they had their second child, Jeanette Evelyn Letson. Eventually, the Aerospace field in Houston literally took off in the 1960’s. The Letson family then moved to Houston and never looked back.

David worked the majority of his career here in Houston, working for Ford Aerospace and Communications Corp. and Lockheed Martin in the Human Resource departments as a Benefits Specialist. The Letson family attended Webster Presbyterian Church, where they attended for many years and were very active. David and Joann both served there as Deacons. When his daughter Jeanette grew up and married her husband Alfred Alan Valdez, David walked her up the aisle at Webster Presbyterian Church.

David was also an avid bowler on many bowling leagues for 30 years, loved to sail his boat on Clear Lake, camp with friends, travel around the world, played a lot of cards (especially bridge), became a realtor with his wife Joann, and cheered the Astros and Texans. Their favorite place to travel to was always back to Spokane, Wash., where Joann still has many close relatives, especially her sister Geraldine Lee LaLonde and her husband Robert LaLonde and their children Jeff Melton, Jennifer Valdez, and Julie Reathaford. All four of them also loved going to Las Vegas together. But David’s pride and joy were his two grandchildren, Angela Michelle Valdez and Daniel Charles Valdez, both graduated from Clear Brook High School and Texas State University. He was a wonderful grandfather and was always there quietly in the background ready to help or to listen.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate David’s life will be held on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at 2:00PM at Forest Park East Chapel, in Webster, TX. He will then be laid to rest at Forest Park Cemetery in the Veteran’s section there. May David rest in eternal peace and may his memory continue to bring comfort and a smile to those who mourn his passing.