David’s friendly disposition and infectious grin helped him create lasting relationships. Whether it was
his softball teammates, church members, community organizations, college classmates, or feed store
customers, everyone knew David. If time passed between visits, with David, it was easy to pick up
where you left off.
David attended Victoria High School where he graduated in 1976. He then graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. Realizing the value these opportunities created for him, he found great joy in assisting the youth of the community. David helped and assisted many 4-H and FFA participants, particularly those showing and raising livestock. David demonstrated this support in a variety of meaningful ways over his lifetime.
He served as committee member and Ambassador of the Victoria County Go Texan program to provide
youth scholarships through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. David not only led the programs,
but did the work to make each event a success. He sold raffle tickets, organized parades and bus trips to
the rodeo. He did the work to raise the funds needed for the scholarships all while recruiting and
training new volunteers.
David served on the South Texas Farm and Ranch Show committee for over 30 years, beginning with his
service on the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. He chaired the scholarship
committee for many years. For 15 years he helped organize and co-lead the annual golf tournament.
Beyond the activities that benefit youth and the agricultural producers of the community, David was
active at Trinity Lutheran Church where his family has worshipped for decades. He had a strong faith in the Lord that grew throughout his life. Psalm 23 was his favorite verse. Along with many church
committees over the years, David served as Church Council President, and Church Council Member. He
was a member of the Choir and many have complimented and commented on his joyful singing at weddings, parties and family gatherings. He sponsored Luther Leagues and was a Sunday School teacher and stewardship chairman.
In addition to all his community service, David managed a family-owned feed and farm and ranch supply
store that has been owned by his family for 50 years.
Dancing with Cathy was one of David’s greatest pleasures along with spending time with his daughters, son in laws and grandchildren. He also enjoyed travelling and relaxing outdoors. He had a particular weakness for BBQ.
David’s absence will long be felt in the lives of those he touched, but the contributions he made to the
community, his friends and his family will be everlasting.
David is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cathy Haas Dierlam; daughters, Morgan Lane (Brad) of
McKinney, TX, Kaley Carbonaro (Jonathan) of Porter, TX; sister, Margaret Anderson (James) of Victoria;
brothers, Wayne Dierlam (Evelyn), Mark Dierlam (Virginia), Larry Dierlam (Jackie), Stanley Dierlam
(Mendy) all of Victoria; half sister, Dolores Paluga of Rockwall, TX; grandchildren, Ryan Lane, Jon
Anthony Carbonaro and Callie Lane. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and
great-nephews to cherish his memory.
Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, June 21, 2019, from 5-7 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services are Saturday, June 22, 2019, at 10 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Barney
Matocha officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Brad Lane, Jonathan Carbonaro, Brad Dierlam, Curtis Connally, Julius Zatopek, Travis
Tucker, Warren Alkek and Ross Coleman.
Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Lane, Jon Anthony Carbonaro, Callie Lane, Larry Clark, Blake Schulz,
Charles Lassmann and Tom Henley.
Cathy, Morgan and Kaley are especially thankful for the loving care provided by Valerie Aguirre, Susan
Vargas, and Tim Juarez.
Memorial donations may be made in David’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice of South
Texas or South Texas Farm and Ranch Show.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
