David J. Ross

David James Ross was born on December 10, 1959 in Pasadena, Texas to GG and Margaret Ross. He graduated from Sam Rayburn High School and completed his education at Texas A&M University Class of 1982 with a Civil Engineering degree. David was a proud member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band A Battery and would gladly show off that the years of playing the trombone on Kyle Field had made his right arm longer than the other. At A&M he joined the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and was part of the Aggie Concrete Canoe Team. David was also a founding member of The Tavern, a co-ed social organization whose flag waived high over many off-campus student gatherings. After graduation, he moved back to Houston where he began his long and successful career in Engineering becoming a member of Society of Military Engineers (SAME) and Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS), as well as earning his Professional Engineering Certification. He retired in 2024 from IDS Engineering Group.

David was active in his community and church. From birth, he attended First United Methodist Church Houston, where he made lifelong friends. As a member of Methodist Men’s Group, he traveled multiple times to Central America to assist in the digging of freshwater wells to help those who lived in poverty stricken rural areas with the Living Waters organization.

It was in Houston where he met his perfect match and the love of his life, Mary Radtke. They began their adventure together in July 1987 and raised three sons: Grantham, James, and Nathan. David took great joy in his role of a devoted husband and father. He expressed his pride in their successes, and was able to find the humor in their challenges. He consistently reminded his children that they were Christian Diamond Eagles, that he loved them and God loved them even more. A favorite question he often asked was, “what did you learn” as they reflected on their choices in life.

David is preceded in death by his father, GG; mother, Margaret; brother, Glyndon, and granddaughter Presley. He is survived by his wife, Mary; Son Grantham, Grantham Jr., daughter-in-law Karen; Son James; Step-son Nathan, daughter-in-law, Rebecca, and their children, Kaden and Caleb, and a host of friends.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8th at 2:00 pm at Copperfield Church, 8350 Hwy 6 North, Houston, Texas 77095. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children’s Ministry of Copperfield Church or the charity of your choice.