Dad has finally made it home surrounded with the love & loudness once again. Above his beloved fireplace cover, which we are surprised has made it so many years with all these kiddos. Not to mention the lovely flower arrangements gifted to us by so many. The Avery’s, Pinkletons, Davis’s, & Gregory. Along with multiple cards from the Lowery’s, Rix’s, & Castillo’s. Also, a wind chime from Diane Tate that will make us think of him every time we hear the chimes. Thank you to everyone that helped load & unload all of this in my van. Much love to everyone!

My family and I can’t thank you enough for everyone that took time out of their day to show their love and support for my father. It was so nice seeing everyone today that was able to make it and for those that couldn’t be there we felt you in spirit. I wish I was able to get pictures of everyone as I know my father “the family photographer” would have and I have very big shoes to fill. Just know we love and appreciate you all!

Praying for you Danielle, Nichole and  G- kids as well as the rest of the family in Houston! So sorry we could not make it but we were there with you all in spirit and our hearts are with you all today from East TN! We were shocked and heartbroken to hear of Uncle David’s passing and will miss him so so much.  Continued thoughts  and prayers!

Chris and Keisha French

Thank you for being my Grandad but even more thank you for stepping up as a Dad. You always made me feel loved and special. I remember our first date to fathers daughter dance you walked up to the door so I could answer. You gave me a corsage and even brought some apple juice to celebrate before our big night. I am sorry for all the times I would meow like the cat making you think you lost your mind. Don’t worry I still do it to the rest of the family.

Thank you for always saying yes when Mommy would say no :), letting me take over your bed, and entrusting me with a big box of shopkins.

Love Always,
BoBo Chicken

I am usually very good with words, but finding it terribly difficult to find them right now. Your loss will be felt by so many friends and family. It has been my privilege to be your nephew uncle Dave. You embraced me as family from the first day we met and knew how much of a bond aunt Lynda and I had. I will be forever grateful for the time I got to spend with you both. You always had the ability to not just make me laugh, but everyone else around you laugh as well. You always seem to have a smile on your face, a positive attitude or encouraging word that had a way of rubbing off on people and making them feel comfortable around you no matter the situation. It was genuine, and something I always admired about you. I am going to miss all of our conversations during the holidays and all the unexpected candid pics you used to snap of us during our family gatherings. I am going to miss the way you kept the memories of Lynda alive through your Facebook posts, your doughnut memes, lawn guy posts, your love of the holidays and all things Clark Griswald, lol. You were great man who loved his family and put them above all else. It was a pleasure to know you, and a joy to be around you. Please know that you will be missed greatly by all of us. I know God, Lynda, and the rest of your family will be greeting you with open arms at the pearly gates in heaven with a fresh box of doughnuts for you. Rest in peace uncle Dave I hope to see you again on the other side.

OUR DEEPEST LOVE AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FRENCH FAMILY, WE LOVE YOU AND WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

NEAL, BRANDI, & AIDEN


How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so very hard to say. But I find myself lost for words. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some will stay for awhile, leaving footprints on our hearts. And for that we are never ever the same again. And it hurts us because they do mean something to us. The phrase that everyone keeps saying about David is, How giving he was he was an inspiration to us all he always had such a huge impact on all of our lives. He always had such a big big smile!! He gave to everyone his all!! He loved his family so much! He was proud of them all!! I loved my texts my calls with him. I will cherish those memories forever. I will always remember Laudy Laudy!  The yard guy!! I actually thought he had hired someone. Oh my goodness! And the Woot! Woot! I say all the time now!!! Yes I always said David your like a best friend. But your like my brother!! He would say if course, Bonnie , we’re family. I had met him when his mom hired me at the Rolling Acres day care. She was over. She was the best boss. And his sister Doris was my daughter Talisha’s 3 rd grade teacher and my son Myron. The best teacher ever!!! Well I could go on about my friend David French. But there aren’t enough words. But he was like a Hero to me!!!Fly high brother!!!till we meet again!!!Bonnie Lowery

Grandad/David was also a caring person who always put others before himself. He rarely showed his true emotions but held in strong for me and the rest of the family just to support all of us. He was always optimistic and kind to people, even when starting random conversations with strangers in public and sometimes making it awkward hahahahaha. I just want it to be know that you will never be forgotten grandad/David and may you be at peace with grandma/Lynda.

I met David in the 7th grade, we were in band together. We became friends right off, he was always fun to be around.  We had lots of good times in school. I remember him talking me into skipping class at RSCC and taking a day trip to Gatlinburg. Good memories.
RIP my friend.

Wow, I don’t even know where to start.
From saving me from the horrors of my life, to supporting me through all my challenges and adversities.
Grandad, or David, was always there for me no matter what I wanted to do. Whether it was supporting me in scouts to push myself, to wanting to get me involved in therapy to help myself.
I realize that what he wanted for me was positivity and to live life to the fullest, and to reach the best version of myself.
Thinking that he would survive such a sudden conflict gave me hope — hope that with the treatment he was receiving from the hospital and doctors, I would see him at home again. 
Hearing his voice in my memories, and thinking that when I’d get home from school I’d hear his voice, his singing, or have the gracious fragrance of his cooking or baking, I can’t imagine my life without him being the prominent father figure I needed. 
Although your time has run out here, your spirit lives on forever and just know that everyone that loved and supported you in your challenges, still stands with you and they are celebrating you because YOU were able to make a change in the world for several people.
Thank you Grandad.

The best part of the days are in the morning when I would run into your room looking for you. Most of the time you would be on your computer and I would run up to you. Give you big hugs and you would let me sit on your lap. If you were working you would minimize your work, open a word document and let me type away. Sometimes pushing buttons you didn’t even know about on the computer. Or you would put on a fun video, or even turn on the camera so we could make funny faces. Then we would go downstairs and you would let me make the coffee together. Even if most of the coffee grounds ended up on the counter or would lose count of the scoops. Then we would go back upstairs and cuddle or turn on the classic cartoons downstairs and let Mommy sleep in a little bit.

I love you Rah Rah
Love Always, Carlos!

Forever your Buddy, BooBoo Chicken

You went to your eternal home 27 days ago and I sure do miss you Dad! I can’t thank you enough for always being a consistent, safe, dependable, involved, empathetic, playful, valuing of Moms, and industrious father to your kids & even grandkids. The love you & Mom shared was better than a fairytale & as you would say “no boy is ever good enough” is absolutely true when the comparison is to you. Your selfless love of your family and always making sure everyone was taken care of during your life and even in your passing was truly a gift.

I will always cherish the way you cared for Mom during the good and bad times. You and I lifting her in her wheelchair so she could go up & down the stairs. You spending extra money to fix the chair lift so I could painlessly not use the stairs. The way you greeted us when we would come home or walk us out to the car and usually chase the car to make the kids laugh. The after school treats you would make. Your trip with the kids to Lowes. I still have to take the food out of the bowl for Pebbles to eat & I still have to stand by her when she drinks water because she is scared of the water bowl. Coffee just doesn’t taste the same without you making it in the morning. The house is still loud, but your singing is missing. Never afraid to dance. The radio that forever plays in the garage. The Sunday drive you would take the dogs on a ride jamming your music. Gorilla tape being your best go to fixer. The hugs you give always with the pats on the back. When you shot my bow and the arrow went through the front window of the house. You always having solar lights outside of the tent. You willing to try P90X with me. Your homemade costumes, Mighty Mentor was probably one of my favorites. 
You didn’t like people to make a big deal out of you, but you sure were a big deal and I am so thankful you let me be there for you even more towards the end.

I love you FOREVER & ALWAYS! You are forever my HERO, 1st love, Best Dad, and Amazing Person!

The earliest known photo of a Cow Dookey Memorial Football Game - played live at the Toilet Bowl - in 1972. David poses directly beneath the goal post in a dark sweatshirt. The 50th anniversary of the game was held in 2016.

David in dark sweatshirt with cousins and friends at annual Thanksgiving football game on the Palko farm in Harriman, TN

David, with unlit cigarette, has the proper kewl attitude for a card game with cousins in Harriman, TN, in 1972.

Growing up in East Tennessee with three brothers and one sister, and enveloped by 14 cousins - and that was just from his mother’s side - David joined in the close knit, celebratory, rowdy, laughing menagerie.  Often it was at a school day lunch at his grandmother’s. We walked four blocks from Harriman High School to Baw’s house where she had prepared a homemade meal for three to seven of us. It might have been creamed chipped beef and kidney bean salad, or yeast rolls (from a Jewel Tea bread mix) and baked beans. Baw was Hazel Ferguson Margrave, the cherished mother of David’s mom. She was insightful and wise, fun and funny, ready to laugh and talk and, perhaps, to advise on proper grammar since she was the expert. She had a twinkle in her eyes that was surely passed down to David, to all of us, really, in large part or little. 

Almost every holiday was a reason to gather. At Christmas, each family visited the others and each kid showed off his presents while the visitors ooh’d and awwed. I loved trying out the new toys and games. The Frenches had a “Mentor” game that was fun. “Try to beat the ‘Man of Bronze’…”

David and his family were all well-loved charmers, the men especially were sweet-talkers, starting with Bunky Sr., the best shoe salesman in town. But it was David the youngest and Doris the oldest who most had that twinkle in their eyes that captivated everyone they met. It was more than charm, it was affection. They cared for each individual around them, giving folks the benefit of the doubt as much as possible. Doris, who died in 2003 at the age of 52, is still remembered as a vivacious, caring, and loving person, including by the many third-grade students she guided over the years. 

David and Doris were alike. That’s how I know David rests in God’s grace. Just look at all the love that surrounded him, then and now. 

I married into the Margrave/French/Palko group of cousins almost thirty years ago. Oh, the tales they told about growing up together with grandmother, Baw, as the family matriarch. They all loved Baw. I only met David once in person when he and the family traveled from Texas one Thanksgiving, but I already felt like I knew him well through the stories I had heard. That Thanksgiving was like David had always been there every year for the feast at the Palko farm and the annual Cow Dookey face off. Everybody loved David and I understood why that year. 

David and I really got to know each other through Facebook. I looked forward to hearing about the yard guy and “making the doughnuts.” As a joke one year, my sisters-in-law and I found a Black Friday special electric donut maker and sent it to him for Christmas. Most of all, I looked forward to his posts about the grandkids that he loved so much. David had a way of brightening your life when he was around - whether in person or on the computer - and I will miss that. 

David’s company Seitel planted trees in honor of his passing. I look forward to watching the trees grow and thinking of Dad when I get to visit. He always enjoyed volunteering with his company, co-workers, & family.

A thoughtful gift from David’s company Seitel. That the family and I are able to plant at the house and watch everyday as we miss our beloved Rah Rah.

We've passed this around Facebook for years and it's one of my favorite memories with David.   One summer Sunday afternoon on the Palko farm. Love you Cuz!

David was always smiling and laughing, and I loved to hear him tell stories. He was so energetic and charismatic, and when he was around you just wanted to be in the room with him. Thank you for inviting us to share our memories. We are thinking about and praying for your family. 

David, you were just a refreshing person to be around at scouts. Always a pleasant and funny attitude, probably the nicest person I’ve ever met! I’ll never forget the morning after Christian’s birthday party 2 or 3 years ago when you came to get Dylan and you brought me homemade banana muffins 🥰 No one has ever made me anything homemade before and for no reason at all! Made me feel like someone out of a rich people tv show! Anyways, I will always be grateful for your kindness and humor. 

I’m praying for you, Danielle, Dylan and Alex. 

David- always around for whatever craziness these kids were getting into and always had our kids back! 

David and Danielle so supportive, committed and proud of their scouts. 

I loved seeing David at all the school events, supporting his grandkids and in this particular memory - supporting all of the moms/grand moms for Muffins with Mom.

I lost my best friend and sister, Lynda French in 2015, at a time I needed her most, I know her greatest concern and care when she was aware she would no longer be here was her family (David and her children, all of them), Broke my heart to loose her, but promised I would always be here for them. I know David never recovered from loosing her and did an amazing job taking care of the family .
David I will never forget how well you took care of her in her last days and how much you loved her.  David you were an amazing dad and husband and a bright star in our family, you will be greatly missed ! We all miss you both more than can be expressed in words, but I know you are with Lynda and your family now. Just know that same promises I made to Lynda is still in place and as long as I am here, I will always care for and be there for your children! ❤️

The Cain family has such fond and funny memories of David.  He was always quick to volunteer, even quicker to offer a funny word or smile or compliment.  David was the happiest, friendliest man I think I’ve ever known, and surely I can’t be alone in that sentiment.  He leaves so many to cherish his thoughtfulness, warmth, and good humor.  David will indeed be sorely missed. 

David French was an amazing friend, brother who was there  for you  when you needed to talk. He was full of joy laughter. Never a dull moment. He was full of suprizes. He had a Hugh heart for all.  He would be ready to help out of activities at work...
With his word
..Lawdy..Lawdy..
David I will miss you so much...
It was great working with you.
When you would buy me a scratch off ticket and saying to me. 
Here my sister from another mother... I got you this . Hope you win something...and would say . Just cause he wanted me to have it...I love you my brother... I'm not saying good bye.. I'm saying til we see you again....fly high my brother and united with your beautiful wife Lynda......with all your family
God bless you David French..

I shall miss my Grasshopper. A finer soul never graced this earth. 

I was so sorry to hear of David’s passing. We went to school together from 1st grade until we graduated in 1976. Always happy and funny. We became friends on Facebook several years ago and reconnected our friendship. My love and prayers go out to his family and friends. 

I loved this ole boy! We had so many great times. From seeing a UFO one night camping, many concerts including the Rolling Stones 2 nights in a row, many days on the lake working on our tan, just riding around Harriman seeing what mischief we could get into and we did! Lol...All the laughs we shared. He was so funny. I'm gonna miss you Dave. R.I.P. Brother man...Right Arm!

Sorry to hear of David's passing.  I always liked him in school.  Upbeat and a happy character.  Love Lou

OBITUARY

David Alan French

February 26, 1958 – January 27, 2023

Katy Funeral Home

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