A native of Mount Pleasant Texas, Dave attended Texas A&M University for two years before joining the United States Navy Submarine service during the Vietnam War in which he served four years. Following his service, he received a letter of appreciation from the United States military for his achievements as a sonar technician during the war.
Following the war, he moved to Midland, Texas where he began a career in wireline sales and met his love and wife of 32 years Jerry Ann.
Dave served as commander of the American Legion Woods Lynch Post 19 in Midland for two years and continued as second in command following his two-term limit as commander. He was an avid animal lover, had a passion for singing, gun collecting, and brought a smile to all that he encountered.
He is preceded in death by mother, Rita Laird; stepfather, E.C. Laird; daughter, Elicia Wester, and brother, Clifton Laird.
He is survived by wife, Jerry Ann Inman; stepson, Jimmy Robbins; granddaughters, Ashlee Erfourth and Tori Wheat; grandson, Bennie Wester and wife Krista Wester, and many other family and friends.
A reception in celebration of his life and his service to our country will be held at the American Legion Woods Lynch Post 19 on Friday, August 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Midland, Texas. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday August 25 at 3 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home in Midland Texas. Chaplin Gary Kennedy of the VFW will be officiating.
Memorial Donations in memory of Dave can be made to The American Legion Woods Lynch Post 19 501 Veterans Airpark Ln, 79705.