David Harper Essex Jr.

David Harper Essex, Jr. passed away in Round Rock, Texas after a brief illness on August 2, 2018 at the age of 46. Harper was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on December 1, 1971 and spent his childhood years in Midland. As a student, Harper excelled in athletics. He and his partner Luke Morrow won the tennis doubles state championship when he was a junior at Midland High School. He graduated from Midland High and attended Baylor University where he made the tennis team as a walk-on. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Baylor in 1994. For the past 16 years, Harper has made his home in Austin where he worked in business sales at Dell, Inc. and LegalZoom. Harper was good natured and outgoing, and immediately endeared himself to everyone who met him. He was known by his family and friends for his fun-loving sense of humor. A devoted loving father, Harper cherished time spent with his sons. Harper is survived by his father David Essex of Midland, his mother Claire Rhotenberry and husband Jim of Santa Fe, New Mexico, his sons Elliott Essex and Pierce Essex of Denver, Colorado, his sisters Elise Ansley and husband Mark and their sons Mason and Oliver of Frisco, Texas, Hilary Armstrong and husband Jared and their sons Jack and Wyatt of Austin, Texas and brother Hudson Rhotenberry of Brooklyn, New York. A private family service was held in Austin on August 4th. The family would be honored by memorials made in Harper's name to the Scholarship Program at Bush Tennis Center, 5700 Briarwood Avenue, Midland, Texas 79707 or the charity of choice. Online condolences can be made at Beckchapels.com. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Harper's girlfriend Melissa for the care and attention she provided Harper during his illness. David Essex is hosting a reception celebrating Harper's life at the Racquet Club of Midland on August 15th from 5-7 pm.