David Bryant Armstrong LTC (Ret.)

David Bryant Armstrong, age 86, passed away peacefully in Cedar Park, Texas, on November 2, 2026.

Born in Clark County, Arkansas, on January 28, 1940, to David E. and Lanette Armstrong, David grew up in Lubbock, Texas, alongside his beloved brother, Duane. His lifetime of military service began in high school ROTC, leading to a distinguished career in the United States Army. Serving in both the Infantry and Finance Corps, David rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). His decorated military service included a tour of duty in Vietnam and numerous honors for valor and devotion to duty, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm.

While stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma, David was introduced by his roommate to the love of his life, Gay Pearce. Following his return from Vietnam, David and Gay were married on September 30, 1967, beginning 59 blessed years of marriage and devotion.

Throughout his Army career, David held significant assignments across the nation and overseas, including commanding the 106th Finance Division in Stuttgart, Germany, and completing his military service at Fort Sam Houston. Upon retiring from the Army, David launched a second impactful career in civilian healthcare executive leadership. He dedicated himself to expanding rural healthcare before serving as Vice President of Mental Health for the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston.

David’s leadership in mental health advocacy was recognized at the highest levels: he was named recipient of the 2013 Bell Ringer Award by Mental Health America of Fort Bend County and had a special day officially proclaimed in his honor by the Texas Legislature. He continued his professional growth throughout life, achieving the distinction of Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

Dave loved God and loved people above all else. Wherever military assignments or career moves took the family, Dave faithfully served local churches, being ordained as a deacon and serving in leadership offices in congregations across every community they called home.

In retirement, Dave brought his warmth, humor, and appreciation for language to Toastmasters, frequently acting as the lead speaker to honor or playfully "roast" friends and colleagues. An avid outdoorsman, he volunteered weekly with conservation efforts and was instrumental in establishing the River Ranch Friends Group (RRFG) in Georgetown, Texas.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Gay Armstrong; his brother, Duane A. Armstrong; his daughters, Kristina Plaster and husband Michael (Cedar Park, TX), and Laura Peter and husband Mark (Austin, TX); seven grandchildren: Michael John Plaster, Lora McIntire (husband Sean), Bridget Wheeler (husband Jared), Emily Gongora (husband Juan), 2nd Lt. Eva Penrose, USAF (husband Joel), Ian Plaster, and Araceli Wilk; and five great-grandchildren: Asher, Elena, Arthur, Emilia, and Juan III.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, on Monday, November 23rd at 9:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cedar Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center or Suncrest Hospice.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7