David S. Coronado

David Salas Coronado

January 8, 1940 – November 3, 2025

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David Salas Coronado passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at Medical City Denton, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old and left this world with the same quiet strength, faith, and dignity that defined his life.

Born on January 8, 1940, at Methodist Hospital in Dallas, Texas, to Juanita Salas Coronado and Raymond Coronado, David grew up in a warm, lively home on Langford Street. His childhood was filled with the laughter of siblings and cousins, family gatherings, and sports games during family events at Reverchon Park. Those moments became treasured memories — snapshots of a boy full of energy, curiosity, and a love for life that never faded.

At just 17, David answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on January 15, 1957. He proudly served as a Military Police Officer and in Reconnaissance, roles that reflected his courage, discipline, and reliability. He often spoke fondly of his time in the Corps — the camaraderie, the challenges, and the lifelong pride that came with wearing the uniform of a Marine.

While stationed at the Marine Barracks in Guam, fate introduced David to the love of his life, Maria. Their connection was instant — built on respect, humor, and a shared sense of adventure. When his tour ended, he brought Maria back to Dallas to live with his mother until he completed his service. Upon returning, they married on December 19, 1959, beginning a 65-year journey filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

After their wedding celebration, surrounded by their closest and dearest family and friends, they resided in Santa Ana, California, where David was stationed at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. It was there that they began their family, with both of their beloved sons being born in California.

David completed his military service at El Toro in 1963, earning the rank of Corporal. After returning home, he and Maria settled in Dallas, where they raised their three beloved children: David Paul, Daniel Edward, and Yolanda Teresita. Family was always at the center of his life. He was firm, yet loving, and worked tirelessly to provide for his family and instill in them the same strength and values that guided his own life.

Following his military service, David began a long and successful career with DART, driving buses across Dallas before becoming a supervisor. His strong leadership, fairness, and sense of responsibility earned him the respect of colleagues and passengers alike.

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Life in Kaufman

In 1984, David built his dream home in Kaufman, Texas — a reflection of his meticulous nature and deep love for his family. Life in Kaufman became one of his greatest joys. He spent peaceful days fishing, golfing, and tending to his garden, especially his roses, which he cared for with the same patience and pride that guided his life.

He also looked forward to every holiday spent there, especially New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, when he would plan elaborate fireworks shows that lit up the sky and filled the family with excitement.

At the pond behind their home, David’s son Daniel built a fishing deck for him and the family to enjoy together. That deck became a special gathering place — where David found peace surrounded by laughter, stories, and the simple joy of having his loved ones near. It was a true gift of love from son to father, one that brought the family together time and again.

Kaufman was also where David shared one of the most cherished relationships of his life — his bond with his cousin, Mike Franco, whom he loved like a brother. The two were inseparable over the years, sharing countless family trips, holidays, and rounds of golf together. They spoke on the phone several times a week, often talking for hours and laughing about old stories or planning their next get-together. Their deep friendship became a treasured part of David’s life — a bond so strong it continues to live on through their children and families today.

David was deeply proud when his son Daniel followed in his footsteps by joining the Marines — continuing a legacy of service and dedication to country. That same pride extended through the generations, as his family carried on his values of honor, strength, and loyalty.

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A Life of Travel and Family

After retiring at age 56, David and Maria embraced their shared love of travel and adventure, setting out together to see the country. They purchased an RV and spent years exploring coast to coast — discovering new places, visiting family, and creating lasting memories along the way. Whether on long stretches of open highway or gathered around a campfire with their grandchildren, those journeys were among their happiest times, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together.

In 2018, David and Maria, accompanied by their daughter, traveled to Riverside, California, to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law. While unbeknownst to them, this would be their last great adventure as a family together. During that trip, they turned the journey into a time of reflection and gratitude — renting a van and driving up the Pacific Coast Highway from Malibu to San Francisco. Along the way, they revisited their old neighborhood, reconnected with family, and took in the breathtaking beauty of the coast. Those four days became an unforgettable experience, filled with love, laughter, and remembrance — memories their daughter will always hold dear.

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Cherished Moments and Lasting Love

In later years, David and Maria enjoyed attending numerous sporting events together, often from suites his son David arranged for them — experiences that brought him so much pride and joy. He cherished those moments spent side by side with his wife, sharing the excitement of the game and the warmth of family.

They also found joy in life’s simpler moments. Often, they would sit together in their driveway waiting for their grandchildren to walk by on their way home from school — a cooler packed with drinks and their favorite snacks — just for the chance to give them a hug, tell them they were loved, and ask about their day.

David’s playful spirit continued to shine through. He loved to prank-call his daughter when he was bored, just to make her laugh, and often invited her over so they could take long walks together in Westover Park — the same park where he had walked with her as a young girl. Their walks at Westover Park continued for decades, becoming a treasured tradition between father and daughter, until the family relocated to Aubrey, Texas. Those moments were filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of quiet understanding that only grows stronger with time.

Through his later years, David endured unimaginable loss with quiet strength and faith. He grieved deeply the passing of his two beloved sons, David Paul and Daniel Edward, who both left this world far too soon, at the young ages of 50 and 53. Earlier this year, he faced his greatest heartbreak — the loss of his beloved wife, Maria, the love of his life. Though the weight of these losses was heavy, he carried himself with grace, leaning on his faith, family, and the memories that sustained him.

After Maria’s passing in January 2025, David continued living with his daughter, Yolanda, and her husband, Bruce, in Aubrey, Texas. Though his health began to decline, his humor, warmth, and fighting spirit never wavered. He loved to tease his daughter and watch sports with his grandsons, filling the home with laughter and conversation.

That spring, he finally attended the Bonnie & Clyde Festival in Whitesboro — an event he had talked about for years. He especially enjoyed the 1950s car show, reminiscing about his younger days and his lifelong love of classic cars. Just a few months later, in June, David fulfilled one more long-held wish: touring the Texas Rangers’ new stadium. It was something he and Maria had always planned to do together, and though she was not beside him, he carried her in his heart that day. The experience brought him both joy and comfort — a touching reminder of their shared love for life’s simple adventures and the memories that would always keep them connected.

David received devoted care from his daughter, who lovingly ensured his comfort and happiness each day. In his final months, he was also blessed with the kindness of amazing aides whose support and companionship meant so much to him. He enjoyed movie days, being chauffeured around his old stomping grounds in Dallas, and, most importantly, visiting and paying his respects to his beloved wife — a ritual that brought him peace and comfort until the end.

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Family and Legacy

David is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria; his sons, David Paul and Daniel Edward; his parents, Juanita and Raymond Coronado; and numerous brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Yolanda Hutchinson, and her husband, Bruce; her children; and the children and grandchildren of his sons, David and Daniel. He is also survived by his brother, Ricardo Coronado; sisters, Raquel Coronado and Ortencia Romero; cousin, Mick Salas; and numerous nieces, nephews, loved ones, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

David lived a life grounded in love, faith, hard work, and integrity. He taught by example — to stand tall, stay loyal, and cherish family above all. His legacy lives on in every story told, every laugh shared, and every rose that blooms in the garden he so loved.

Semper Fi, Dad. You lived with honor and left us with love.

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Funeral Services

Private Family Rosary: Friday, November 7, 2025, 4:00–5:00 PM

Visitation: Friday, November 7, 2025, 5:00–8:00 PM

Funeral Service: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 2:00–3:00 PM

Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home, Mesquite, Texas

Committal with Military Honors: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 9:30 AM

Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

The family kindly requests that those attending wear Marine Corps colors in honor of David’s pride and lifelong devotion to his service as a United States Marine.

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“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3

Though David has gone home to rest, his love remains — a steady light in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit endures through faith, family, and the memories that continue to bless every generation he inspired.