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Johnson's Funeral Home

435 West Beauregard

San Angelo, Texas

David Fondersmith Obituary

SAN ANGELO David Lloyd Fondersmith, 69, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, with his wife, Connie Fondersmith. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Johnson's Funeral Home chapel with burial in Knickerbocker Community Cemetery in Knickerbocker, Texas. David was born Dec. 23, 1942, in Washington D.C. to Ralph and Elva Fondersmith. He is survived by his two siblings, brother John Fondersmith and wife Mary and sister Mary Anne Multer. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as a language translator, stationed in England. He met Connie and married her on Dec. 23, 1971, and they had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Menard, Texas, for 40 years. They are survived by two children: their daughter, Jennifer Ruff and her husband, Matt, and their son, Ryan Fondersmith. He had one grandson, Joseph, and another one on the way in June. He is survived also by his nieces and nephews, Dev Multer and wife Tricia, Stephanie Iacovelli and husband Mike and Vicky Pittman and husband Rob. He graduated from Angelo State University, where he received his bachelors and masters degrees in English and education. He attended the University of Texas and studied library science. David taught and worked as a librarian in Menard for almost 40 years. David loved his job as a librarian and was an avid reader. He loved to research information for students and teachers. He was intelligent and so inquisitive, loved to learn. He was famous for puns and fonder jokes and had a hearty laugh. He had the hugest heart for his dogs over the years and shed tears over losing them. As a father, he was protective, thoughtful, caring and loving. His sudden death leaves a huge hole in our family and in our hearts, but we are thankful for the memories and legacy that lives on in us and those that knew him. Memorials can be made to Tom Green County Library in David's honor. Please send to the library at 33 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, Texas 76903. Family and friends may sign an on line guest register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by GoSanAngelo from Jan. 11 to Jan. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for David Fondersmith

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Laura Austin

January 5, 2024

Today, I think about Connie and David and how they touched my life. Connie was so energetic, talented, and the best cake maker ever. David always found just the right documentation for UIL prose and poetry pieces. I loved them both and miss them, especially every time I drive by the Country Store....love to Jennifer and Ryan today.

Matt Ruff

January 30, 2012

David,

I miss you and can't begin to find words to say how many ways or how much. Your amazing curiosity and desire to learn has always been an inspiration to me, and I will so miss our talks over coffee about almost anything. I can only imagine the talks you're having now with all that you can now see and experience! I pray that you & my Dad are sharing a cup of coffee and a good chat now and again as I know he enjoyed that too. You are such a great father to Jenn & Ryan and I can see so much of you, your love, and your devotion to them in their lives. You are a man who loves words, but I have no more I can offer except that you are greatly loved & sorely missed.

mary driskell

January 26, 2012

My sincere condolences to David and Connie's family. David and I were classmates in the 1960 class at Laurel High and visited at 50th reunion. May they always be remembered as wonderful people to family and friends.

Steward Mitchell

January 25, 2012

To the families of David and Connie, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you today. David and I were in the LHS Class of 1960, it was great to see him at our 50th reunion. I will always remember David as a nice and easy going guy. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Donald "Donnie" Loveless

January 23, 2012

My heartfelt sympathy to the families of Dave and Connie.
Dave and I were good friends growing up in Laurel, MD. As teenagers, David "Flash", Clyde "Huey" Marton, Bob "Goose" Noble,and I were the best of friends. We grew up in an idylic small town where we walked to everything, had great adventures and many laughs. We loved life and of course had no idea how lucky and blessed we were! I lost contact with Dave until our 1960 HS class reunion last year. It was a wonderful 50 year reunion with a great friend who will be fondly remembered until we see each other again.

January 23, 2012

We wish to express our sincere condolences to David's family. David and I attended school together starting from elementary school. A more pleasant easy going individual you will not find. We are so happy that he and his family came to our 50th Class Reunion. God bless you all.

Ron and Doris Milbrook Taylor

January 22, 2012

David and I lived 2 blocks apart and most mornings for years we walked to high school together. We always had time to talk because "Flash" had only one speed and when we met again at the reunion last year I wasn't suprised to find that he was the same slow walking, slow talking, bright and funny friend that I had last seen more than 50 years ago. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Godspeed, "Flash".

Frank Grant, LHS Class of '60

Sandra Whittier

January 21, 2012

Thoughts and prayers at this time for you and your family. God Bless. David will always be remembered fondly. LHS Class of 1960.

Marty Smith

January 14, 2012

Jen and Ryan, we are home and still overwhelmed with all that you guys are going through. Thank you both for the privilege of be a pall bearer and just being a part of a day we will never forget, for so many reasons. We will continue to pray for both of you, for your grandmother and for your family and all the family. I think the comments by others from your dad's USAF years speaks volumes of how people remember him. Lois and I have been blessed by both of them and both of you and Matt and Joseph. Take care of yourselves, keep looking up.

Sonia (Trevino) Martinez

January 13, 2012

Jennifer and Ryan my condolences to you and your family.
Remembering the great memories they have left through the years of learning through them. I had your mother as a second grade teacher and your dad all through high school.
What a great blessing they were in my life.
My prayers are with you all.
Love, peace and comfort.

John Leo

January 12, 2012

Dave and I served in the Air Force together in the middle '60s. It was through his encouragement that I attended college and enjoyed a career in education. Though we seldom got the opportunity too talk, each conversation seemed like a natural continuation of the last. He is so missed and loved.

January 12, 2012

"May you gain strength from all the love surrounding you in this time of sorrow. " Nonie & Carl Pirtle(San Angelo, TX)

Matthew Heyman

January 12, 2012

Thinking of you all.

Ron Fournier

January 12, 2012

I had the pleasure of serving with Dave both at the language school in Monterey and at the security school at Goodfellow AFB. Dave was a bit older than some of us and sometimes the youthful hijinks tried his patience a bit but he always managed a grunt and a smile. Thank you for some wonderful memories David.

Ron Kim

January 12, 2012

There are simply no words to express my sorrow and sympathy during this time. I am praying that God will give you all encouragement, strength, and peace.

Tina Tipton

January 12, 2012

The most intelligent man I know.. He always made me laugh with his strange sense of humor, that many people didn't get.. He will be missed dearly!! Sorry I could not make it there today..

Tommy & Gennie Hough

January 12, 2012

David was a treasure in our community. He will always be remembered with a smile. Our hearts go out to loved ones in this sorrowful time.

Randy Carwile

January 12, 2012

Ryan, Jennifer, and family...

Our hearts ache for you during this most difficult time. Please know that we are praying that God will heal your hearts, and bring you comfort as only He can do.

Love, Randy, Kari & Shay Carwile

January 12, 2012

David was a funny and special friend. It was so funny watching him count money at The Country Store. God bless you, Ryan and Jennifer. Don and Nancy Whitaker(Eden, TX}

Jane Porter

January 12, 2012

One of the only people who loved words as much as I do. I will miss our conversations. I will always think of you eating ice cream at SideOats. May God Bless your beautiful family.

Cody and Maggie Slaughter

January 12, 2012

You are in our hearts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. They will be remembered and missed.

Tina Murchison

January 12, 2012

With deepest sympathy to Ryan and Jennifer, you are in our prayers.

Sally Hough

January 12, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with all of your family.

Hedy Wright
Larry & Lori Rogers and family
Bruce & Sally Hough and family
Lawrence & Norma Rogers

January 12, 2012

Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

The Hough Family, Bruce, Sally, Pake, Jessup & Ty Titzman

Judy Gill

January 12, 2012

I love you David. Thank you for being such a loving husband and father. We will miss you.

Cathy Rogers

January 12, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how hard this hit your family! May God wrap His arms around you & your and give your heart comfort now & the days to come.
We love you,
Cathy & Roger

Mike Schuler

January 12, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with all of your family.

The Schuler Family, Mike Lisa, Ethan and Avery

Mark and Leesa Blau

January 12, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of this gentle man. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Ryan and Jennifer.

January 12, 2012

I will always cherish the days when David drove the UIL bus and looked up every piece of prose and poetry documentation for readers. He contributed daily to the English program. What a great legacy of memories and what wonderful children he gave the world...Sympathy, love, and healing to all of you. Laura Austin

Bruce Foreman

January 12, 2012

My heart goes out to the family.

I first met David and Connie the day I photographed their wedding 40 years ago. Then never saw them again until a decade and a half ago when I was at Menard High to photograph seniors.

My contacts with David and Connie were very infrequent, but were always very special to me. David was one of those people who makes you feel more alive merely by being near him.

May God keep and comfort the family and community he and Connie served so well.

Wayne & Judy Davis

January 12, 2012

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Krista & Derek Murr

January 11, 2012

May Gods light shine upon all who are left with sadness in their heart and comfort them with his presence.

Rebecca Green

January 11, 2012

Ryan and Jennifer, may the love and support of you friends and family pull you through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you,and we love you.

jeremy estep

January 11, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

terry estep

January 11, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandy Watson-Iglesias

January 11, 2012

Jennifer, my heart broke to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this painful time.

Emma Villanueva

January 11, 2012

You will be missed. God bless the family.

Patricia Brown

January 11, 2012

Ryan and Jennifer, you are living monuments to the decency and goodness of your parents. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. You are both much loved.

jackie crisp daves

January 11, 2012

mr. fondersmith was a great man who enjoyed learning all he could and he always helped you out when you needed a great book to read. we will miss you alot.

Charlotte Carman

January 11, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gerry McLeod

January 11, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Vicki Hill

January 11, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Robert Pryor

January 11, 2012

I met Dave in Jan. 1966 at R.A.F. Chicksands, England and later shared an "efficiency" apartment with him when he attended U. of MD
I always smile when I think of him. May God bless his family in their time of sorrow.

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