On Thursday, October 1, 2009, Julius Huie David, Jr. went to dwell in the house of his Lord. Visitation will be held at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange beginning Monday, October 5, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. with Rosary/Vigil at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Mr. Melvin Payne. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange with Reverend Joseph Daleo, Monsignor William Manger and Monsignor Jeremiah McGrath con-celebrating on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow with interment at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Julius was born in Orange, TX on April 29, 1919 to Julius and Effie C. David. He was a lifetime resident of Orange, graduating as the Salutatorian from Orange High School, continuing his education at Lamar Junior College and graduating as a Petroleum Engineer from the University of Texas at Austin in 1940. Julius married his first love, Frances Dullahan, in 1942. Julius proudly served his country during World War II as a Lieutenant j.g. in the United States Navy. Upon his return to Orange, he became a partner in the Orange Insurance Agency, a business started by his father in 1928. He was joined in the business by his sons, Larry and Jimbo, until his retirement in 1999. Julius and Frances, married for 46 years, were blessed with nine children. Julius spent much of his 90 years contributing to the community of Orange serving in numerous organizations and receiving many honors. He particularly treasured being named the Holy Name Society Man of the Year by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. He also attained the highest awards of Rotary International, a Paul Harris Fellow, and of Lions International, a Melvin Jones Fellow. Following his father's legacy, he was a lifetime member of the Orange Chapter of the American Red Cross. While his civic service and recognitions were numerous, he would have wanted most to be remembered as a man of great faith and devotion to his family. Julius' strong faith is a continuing model for his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who knew him.
Julius was an avid outdoorsman and ensured that his family shared in his love of sports and nature. A highlight of Julius' youth was a hole in one at age 15 at the Sunset Grove Country Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and always looked forward to his annual deer hunting trip. He and Frances opened their hearts and homes in Orange, Cow Creek, and Hackberry to generations of family and friends.
After Frances' death, Julius found a wonderful partner to share his life for another 18 years through his marriage to Fran Allis Meindl. He and Fran enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends and family. Julius was delighted to become "Papa Dave" to Fran's children and grandchildren.
Julius was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roger Vernon and his sister Dorothy McGrory, his wives, and his son, Jimbo David. He is survived by his brother Charles David of Alpine and Miriam Campbell of West Bloomfield, Michigan. He will live forever in the hearts of his eight children and their spouses: John and Jane David of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Larry and Cheryl David of Orange, Jeanie David of Kingwood, Julie and Terry Lyons of Austin, Mary Irene and Tom Murray of Kingwood, Joanie and Donnie Foreman of Nederland, Janie and Carl Leedy of Bakersfield California, Annie and Jim Koehler of Arlington, and his godchild, Cathleen Dullahan. He also leaves behind grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved their "Papa" dearly: Brent and Dani David, Nicole and Johnny Parks, Joseph David, Chris and Anna Benefield, Carrie, Matt and Michael Benefield, Rebecca Adams, Kathryn and Mike Campbell, C.J., Michelle and Frances Leedy, Brody and Derek David, Keith, Kellie, and Katie Koehler, Jim Graham, and Jenny and Vince Kay. His great grandchildren include Hannah and Emilie Mayfield, Addison Parks, and Nicholas Campbell.
Julius is also survived by Fran's family including Allis Rennie and daughter, Rennie O'Connor, Amy and Nick Meindl and sons, John and James, and Mary and Jack Gracheck and children, William and Mary Allis.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Laurence Brent David, Christopher Paul Benefield, Matthew David Benefield, Michael James Benefield, Joseph Huie David, Keith Mitchell Koehler, James Brody David and Derek Allen David.
Contributions in Julius' honor may be made to St. Mary Catholic School Foundation or Evergreen Cemetery Association.
Papa, we will miss your strength, your optimism, your stories, and your smile. We will honor your memory forever.