David Lawrence Brenton

Dave was born July 20, 1952. He passed away, following a brief illness, on September 28, 2015 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital.

Dave lived his early years in the high desert of California. Following service in the U.S. Army, he began a career as a farrier. He became both skilled and sought after for his horse shoeing talent and continued this work after he moved to Texas in the eighties.

It was in his late thirties that Dave began his true life's work. Prompted by a true and deep desire to help, Dave became a registered nurse. Working in a variety of settings, including many years as a hospice nurse, he touched thousands of lives. Known for his small stature and huge heart, he brought compassion, skill, and optimism to those he served, as well as those privileged to serve beside him. His mischief and wit made the darkest days better.

In 1997 Dave married Connie, the love of his life. Together, they made a team, working together, traveling the world, caring for family members, and welcoming friends to raise a glass on their shady front porch. Connie was Dave's absolute definition of home.

Dave was devoted to his grandchildren. He bragged about their accomplishments and shared their interests and had a terrible time telling any of them no. Taking the girls to Europe was one of the highlights of his life. He was making plans for something special to enjoy with the boys.

Dave loved good music, good books, and good brew. He drove a big truck, a VW Bug, a motorcycle, and a bike. He was loyal, hardworking, and incredibly funny. Dave was great at home repairs and remodeling and absolutely awful at typing. He loved his dog Cooper and Connie’s homemade cornbread. Dave believed other people had problems bigger than his. He wanted to make things easier, better for everyone else.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother Bette Brenton and his brother Tom. He is survived by wife Connie, son Jesse Brenton and wife Beth grandchildren Abby and Joseph, daughter Melanie Crebbs and husband Ryan, grandchildren Madelyn and Taylor, and by his father, Bill Brenton.

Dave leaves behind a host of friends blessed to have known him as well as scores of grateful patients and families. He will be missed.

The family gives special thanks to the kind staff at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Mother Frances Foundation, 100 E. Ferguson, Suite 800, Tyler, TX 75702; or to The

Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701.