David Joseph Daw, son of William and Mary Daw, was born on June 28, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was called to his Heavenly Home on March 21, 2020 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. At the age of 8, his parents moved to Clermont, FL. His spirit for life was apparent continuing through his last health challenge.
He graduated from Clermont High School in 1965, attended Lake-Sumter Community College and then enlisted in the US Marine Corp. Upon his completion of military service, he moved from Florida to Texas and studied automotive mechanics, graduating from Ryder Technical School and completing night courses from Tremble Tech. He became a highly qualified transmission builder employed by Bill Coffey’s Transmissions.
In 1974 he married Janice Louise Dirling in Ocala, FL. The young couple made their home in Ft Worth, where they lived and raised their two children, Justin and Jacqueline. During the following decade, David was employed by Coffey’s Transmission, Don Harding’s Transmissions and then decided to include other areas of automotive repair, while employed by Kenneth Cohen’s Automotive.
In 1984 David started his own general automotive repair business on the eastside of Ft. Worth and for the next 34 years he and Janice worked together making a living for their family. Due to health issues in 2018, David Daw's Quality Car Care was closed in September. Throughout his career, Dave received the distinction of a Certified Master Technician through the national ASE certification automotive program, including the 8 major areas of automotive repair and service. Dave’s desire to enhance his automotive repair and customization capabilities led him to acquire machine shop equipment. He repaired and rebuilt not only that equipment, but all other machinery required to operate his business. There simply was not a project that Dave would not tackle and complete. Designing, building and problem solving came natural to him.
David was a true outdoorsman enjoying Texas and Colorado deer hunting, along with Texas and Kansas dove and pheasant hunting, usually with his son. Many fishing trips to several states and Kenora, Ontario were also enjoyed by him, his son, daughter and friend. He completed a multitude of home and hobby projects throughout his life.
He was a member of the Breakfast Optimist Club of East Ft. Worth for several years and actively participated in their Flag Project. Upon graduating from the Dale Carnegie Course, he unselfishly served as a graduate assistant for Class, #1372. With his love of shooting, he joined the Arlington Sportsman’s Club, later becoming a board member and serving as club president during 2005. Two Lifetime Memberships include the NRA and The Texas State Rifle Association. He also helped coach gun safety classes to beginners with the Ft. Worth Pistol and Rifle Club.
In 2012 Dave and Janice moved to North Richland Hills, leaving their first home of 36 years in Ft Worth, continuing to operate Quality Car Care until forced to retire in 2018.
David enjoyed weekend outdoor grilling, family fish fries, Antique Roadshow, National Geographic, Jeopardy, British Mysteries on PBS, trap & skeet shooting and playing dominoes and cribbage. He also took pleasure in reading from his extensive book collection: Hemingway, Doyle, Poe, Marcinko and Capstick. Music by the Mamas and the Pappas, Karen Carpenter, Don Williams, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams, Jr. entertained him. He spoke proudly about his grown children almost to the point of being “sinful”. A half a pound of Angelo’s ribs, potato salad and a cold schooner of Bud was a favored meal for him. Joking with most anyone and pulling his grandchildren’s ears made him quite the character. He was Jan’s Flower Guy for over 45 years, giving her a multitude of arrangements and rose bouquets. He also savored quality Scotch whisky.
Many times one would hear Dave exclaim: “It is what it is.”, “Another Day in Paradise”, “Better than I deserve”, “I don’t like FORDS!”, “I could drink Angelo’s sauce with a straw.”, “I never met a cookie I didn’t like.” and….. “Say Goodnight, Gracie.”
David is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Daw; grandparents, Leo and Anna Greenberger and William and Margaret Hahn, uncle and aunt. Survivors include wife, Janice of 45 years; son Justin and wife Stephanie; daughter Jacqueline and husband Ian Soukup and his five grandchildren: Abagail, Parker, Jameson, Brooks and Juliann.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel with burial immediately proceeding at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. All will take place when public group size restrictions are lifted.
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