David Reed Carder

David Reed Carder, beloved husband, brother, dad, Papaw, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on January 6, 1939, in Bonham, Texas, to Reed and Crystal Carder and was one of three children.

David became a Christian at the age of thirteen and grew up attending Walnut Hills Church with his parents and siblings, Linda and Cecil. His faith became the guiding force of his life. He dearly loved the church, attending faithfully until the last years of his illness. A devoted student of the Bible, David read and studied Scripture daily and was known by many as a true prayer warrior. He was a member of Crockett Road Church of Christ and was a faithful member until his health declined.

David grew up in Texarkana, Texas, where he played football for the Texas High Tigers. His talent on the field earned him a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he played under coaches Jack Mitchell and Frank Broyles. His years in high school and college brought lifelong friendships that he cherished dearly. David loved attending Razorback football games and on Fridays before the game his class reunions and catfish dinners with his friends. He especially treasured his time in the Letterman's Club-often calling those moments "happy times." He remained a devoted Arkansas Razorbacks fan throughout his life and was a proud lifelong member of the Razorback Foundation. David graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

David began his career at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City before transferring to Red River Army Depot in Texarkana. His love for football later led him to coach under Dally Myers in Texas for three years. David and his family eventually settled in Tyler, Texas, where he worked for Allstate and State Farm Insurance as an assistant claims supervisor while raising his children, Lisa and Brad.

In 1996, David and Sherron were married after they met while attending Glenwood Church of Christ. They made their home in Tyler until his retirement in 1999 after which they moved to Palestine, Texas.

David had a servant's heart and a deep love for people. He was a man of action-always ready to lend a hand, visit families, or serve his community. He was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club and proudly placed flags for all occasions alongside his friend Bill Brown. He volunteered for many years at the Court Drive Food Bank and delivered meals as a driver for Meals on Wheels. Some of his happiest mornings were spent at Dairy Queen with his buddies, including Jimmy Cook and Bill Brown, sharing breakfast, coffee, and lively conversations-fondly referred to by David as "the liars' club."

David loved God, his family, his country, the American flag, family gatherings, chili cheese dogs, and chocolate malts. His gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and joyful presence touched countless lives.

David is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Tommy Martin, and a great-grandchild, Megan Chennault.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherron, his sister Linda Martin of Athens, Texas, and his brother Cecil Carder and wife Diane of Fort Worth, Texas and his father-in-law Blackie Foreman of Palestine, Texas. He is also survived by his children: Lisa Maurel of Laguna Beach, California and Brad Carder and wife Michelle of New Diana, Texas. Stepchildren Angie Gilbert and husband Randy of Palestine, Texas; Shannon Carney and husband Marty of Allen, Texas and Kevin Warren of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Corinne Maurel of Seattle, Washington, Lauren Maurel of Huntington Beach, California, Zachary Carder and wife Janalen of Tyler, Texas, Sophia Carder and Olivia Carder of New Diana, Texas , Dr. Madison Carney and Claire Carney of Allen, Texas, Sarah Hernandez and husband Dylan of Kaufman, Texas, Mallory Hudson and husband Shawn of Montalba, Texas, Morgan Walthall and husband Jaret of Montalba, Texas, Matthew Chennault and wife Kolbie of Columbus, Georgia, Katie Gilbert of San Diego, California and Kristin Warren of Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren: Charlee, Cohen, Beckham, Hayes, Cannon, Matson, Tatum, Keaton, Peighton, and Rhett. David is additionally survived by his sister-in-law Debbie Davis of Dallas, Texas, daughter-in-law Tamara Cox and husband Rick and many nieces, nephews, and loving family members.

David lived a life of faith, friendship, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will forever be in our hearts.

The family wishes to thank Faye and Cristle with Inhabit Hospice for their loving care of David.

A celebration of life will be at Rhone Funeral Home on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 10am. Visitation will be at 9am prior to service. Arkansas Razorbacks attire is welcome.

Memorial and cremation services for David Reed Carder are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.