David David C. Sartain

David was the second child born to Clyde and Alverta Sartain. He was born in Trumbull, Texas at home where he was welcomed by his big sister, Betty. David was a true native born Texan and spent his childhood growing up in Dallas, Texas where he attended school and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1958.

Upon graduation David enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country for six years in places like Korea, Thailand and Japan. David enjoyed the three years he spent in Japan and took time to learn the language and respect the people and customs of Japan. David even taught an English class on base in Japan – not sure what the Japanese equivalent is for: Y’all.

In 1965 David received his discharge from the Army and returned home to Dallas. Little did he know that the blind date his best friend had set him up with would lead to a proposal and marriage five months later – a marriage that lasted for 45 years, 8 months and 7 days.

On June 19, 1970 David’s life took another turn; he became a father. His son, Kenneth, was born and over the years David was so proud of the strength and love and intelligence that Kenneth achieved as he grew into adulthood. David’s trust and love for his son never wavered but grew stronger with each passing year. He was especially proud when Kenneth enlisted in the Navy and kept track of his career and enjoyed gathering up things to send in the “care packages” we sent to him.

Shortly after coming back home from Japan David went to work as a journeyman brick layer and trained for and earned his Union Bricklayer’ card. He only worked on commercial projects and several buildings in Downtown Dallas reflect his skill and workmanship. He continued in his profession for eleven years before he had an opportunity to try his talent in another direction – estimating. He spent the next twenty-six years as a chief Estimator for two roofing companies; one in Dallas and one in Houston. David became very respected and recognized for the outstanding amount of business he earned for the companies he worked for and earned the nickname: Old Lion (very wise and very savvy) which suited him from his peers throughout Texas, Arizona and Louisiana. He could lift a roll of heavy blueprints and come within a few dollars of what the cost of the project would be and he never left “any money on the table.” Not only did he estimate the roofing but the sheet metal and waterproofing required for a project.

Among the many projects he bid on and was successful in winning were the Lyndon B. Johnson Library in Austin; the bronze roof on the City Hall in San Marcos; Coast Guard buildings on Galveston Island at the Bolivar Ferry Landing and several schools in the Houston and Aldine school districts; along with several churches in Kingwood.

David was an old fashion; hard-working, my home is my castle; protect the family at all costs; conscientious; no nonsense man. He looked tough but he had a heart of gold and befriended many in their time of need. I think I left out stubborn; however, given time if he was wrong he would admit it – one of the many reasons I loved him.

I will miss my other half – the half that made me whole. God keep you my love…….