David Contreras

David Lopez Contreras Sr., 92, of Baytown, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 29th, 2026. David was born on November 27th, 1933 in Houston to his mother and father, Guadalupe and Rosa. We will always remember the life and legacy he leaves on this earth. It was a long and simple life: never complex and always with good, honest intentions.

He lived life with a servant’s heart. He served in the Army and serviced the customers at his paint and body shop. He loved to get to know new people and always had an open heart. His faith was the core of his foundation. Anyone who knew him would describe him as kind. All you had to do was take one look at his face and you could see the kindness radiating out of him.

He met the love of his life, Esther, at church where the Lord grew their love. Together, they dedicated themselves into pouring the love of Jesus into others by pastoring 3 churches. They furthered the gospel in Denver, Colorado, Baytown, Texas and Houston, Texas. They were married for 64 beautiful years. Their children, Abraham, Julia, David and Naaman were the apples of their eyes.

He was always busy – a man in constant motion – but never too busy to share his love of life with those around him. He taught his family to love the outdoors. Anything that involved gardening, building, fishing and working on cars was right up his alley. He was well known in his neighborhood for being the friendliest neighbor. He would sit outside and wave and smile at every car that passed by. This kind motion was usually returned with a fellow wave and loud honk from people he didn’t even know. He was the reason to a strangers smile.

He loved going on evening cruises out on the town. Often times he would be waiting, fully dressed and ready to go when his son, Abraham, would get home from work. As soon as Abraham would walk through the door, he was greeted with “Are you ready to go?” before he could even change out of his work clothes. “Yes dad. One moment”. “Okay. I’ll be waiting for you in the truck”, David would say. This describes his excitement to go out and live life. You could always count on him to be ready for an adventure but mostly to be ready to eat. He loved to eat, an odd pairing, one might add: McDonalds hot coffee and a hot and spicy sandwich. Eating anything spicy with a hot beverage is not for the faint of heart. And that describes how David was.

He also loved a good snack like bananas and snickers. He was known to have a sweet tooth. But not as sweet as the love he had for his kids and grandkids. He was known to spoil them without hesitation. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 11 great great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons Abraham and Naaman, his siblings Alfred, Lupe, Johnny, Vera and Josie and his extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Esther, his daughter Julia Ann, his son David, Jr., his parents, his siblings, Rudy, Joe, Andrew and Carol and his grandson Chris.

His absence will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him.