David Nelson Kapp

David Nelson Kapp was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 7, 1951. He was adopted by his adoring parents, Nelson and Margie Kapp. He grew up in a one-bedroom house in Lake Worth, Texas, with his sister, Cathy Kapp Smith, with Lake Worth practically in his backyard.

The family eventually moved to Azle, Texas, where Eagle Mountain Lake became his backyard. This environment sparked David’s lifelong love for the outdoors and the water. He and his father were avid and responsible hunters and enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming together.

David had such a passion for swimming that he competed on many swim teams throughout his childhood, earning numerous trophies and ribbons. His dedication and talent eventually led him to try out for the Olympics. His strongest event was the butterfly stroke, and he missed qualifying by only three seconds. Despite the narrow margin, he remained proud of the opportunity to compete.

David graduated from Azle High School in 1969. He later attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned his associate degree in 1971. Shortly afterward, he obtained his scuba diving certification, which led to a job in underwater construction in the Bahamas.

After returning to Texas, David worked in the oil fields of West Texas. He later moved back to Azle, where he met Barbara Kell Kapp at the Apple Discotheque in 1974. The two quickly began dating and were married in May of 1975. That same year, David joined the Azle Police Department, where he rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to lieutenant.

Their first child, Jennifer Kapp, was born in 1977. In 1980, David decided to leave the police department, and the family moved to Austin, Texas, where he was hired by the Sigmore Company. Their second child, Michael Kapp, was born later that same year.

In 1985, David moved his family to Carrollton, Texas, to be closer to his aging parents. He then began working with his brother-in-law, Don Kell, at his security company.

David cherished life with his family. He spent many years coaching his son’s baseball teams and shared with his daughter the same love he had for the outdoors and the water. He devoted countless years to caring for the family he loved so deeply.

David was preceded in death by his loving parents, Nelson and Margie Kapp; his older brother, Joseph O. Smith, and Joseph’s wife, Billie; and his nephews, Steve and Tim Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kapp; his children, Jennifer Kapp and Michael Kapp; and his grandsons, Nathan, Ryan, and Jacob Kapp. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Smith, and her husband, Steven Smith; his nieces, Sara Stoffel and her husband, John Stoffel, and their sons, JR and Smith Stoffel; Samantha Dillard and her husband, Patrick Dillard, and their children, Colton, Billie, Colbie, and Jaxson; and his nephews, Phillip Smith and Gary Smith.

A celebration of David’s life will be held in May at the family home in Azle, Texas. Please contact the family for further details.