David Espada

On October 5, 2025, the world lost a bright soul as David Espada passed away in Hillsboro, Kansas, at the age of 66. He was born February 16, 1959, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, David lived a life filled with love, laughter, and faith, surrounded by a large family of 15 siblings. A gifted athlete, he earned a scholarship to play basketball at Eastern Mennonite High School in Virginia. His path eventually led him into Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Lori. The two were married on September 20, 1986. David embraced Lori's two children, Tawnya & Trista as his own and together welcomed Sammy & Kiara, while also remembering their two babies in heaven.

David worked many jobs throughout his lifetime, early on at WK trash service in Hesston. His greatest joy was serving others through his work in schools. He spent years as a custodian & maintenance worker in Hesston, Moundridge, Hillsboro, and Canton-Galva school districts, as well as at Tabor College. David also worked as a custodian for three years in Shafter, California. While he took pride in keeping the buildings clean and cared for, it was the people inside those walls who truly mattered to him. Students remember him as their "favorite janitor", a safe adult who always had time for them, whether it was with a smile, a yo-yo trick, or words of encouragement. Co workers recall his humor, kindness, and friendship.

Beyond his work, he officiated basketball and volleyball games, coached his own children and many others in track and field, and modeled what it meant to be fair, caring, and encouraging.

David found joy in life's simple pleasures, fondly recalling camping trips to the mountains of New Mexico and Wyoming where he marveled at the wildlife and beauty around him. Later in life, he fell in love with auctions, antique stores, and flea markets, especially enjoyed running a booth where he could meet people from all walks of life. For David, the treasures weren't just the antiques -- it was the chance to connect, laugh and share stories with others.

Known for his big smile and warm presence, he never met a stranger. Whether reading "Are you my Mother", to a classroom in English & Spanish, frying plantains for his school kids, coaching track and field, or chatting with friends at the market, David made people feel loved and seen.

David had many nicknames, including: David "Elmer", Skywalker, Papo (bis his own kids because Sammy couldn't pronounce Papito when he was small), Davy, Mr. Dave, and even Meanie. Friends and family describe him as a kind, hardworking, God-loving man, who as proud of his children and adored his grandchildren. He care deeply about people and had a way of making everyone feel important, no matter how small their role in his life. He hated lizards and his CPAP machine, but beyond that, he embraced life fully and joyfully.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Raul and Maria L. Espada; his brother, Samuel Espada; his father and mother-in-law, Chet and Yvonne Hogsett; his two babies in heaven; his grandson, Bradley Espada; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Stoltzfus and Gaylen Hogsett.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Lori; his children, Tawnya (Billy) Frary, Trista (Dan) Matthew, Sammy Espada, Kiara (Jon Rush) Espada, and Joel Espada; his grandchildren, Tahlia, Aliana, Marah, and Isiah Frary; his great-grandchildren, Colton, Tessa, Brody, and Cassiopeia; his siblings, Norma Stoltzfus, Wilfredo Espada, Luis A. (Minevra) Espada, Isreal Espada, Reinaldo Espada, Angel R. (Margaret) Espada, Wilma Y. (Gordon) Davis, Noel Espada, Mervin Espada, Melba (Leon) Dreier, Bery L. Espada, Neftali (Aileen) Espada, and Gadiel (Socorro) Espada; along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends whom he loved deeply.

Through his absence, he leaves behind a huge empty space, the legacy of his kindness, laughter, love, hard work, dedication, faith, compassion and joy will continue to shine on in those he touched.He will be missed deeply, but we rejoice in knowing he is now with his Savior and reunited with loved ones in heaven.