David Bunk McKandles

David McKandles passed away peacefully at home on January 1st, 2026. David was surrounded by his family and friends he loved in his final days, and cared for dearly by his loving wife Molly.
David was born in Odessa, Tx on March 11, 1944 to J.A. and Mary Bess McKandles.
He married the love of his life, Molly Ripley, on January 20th, 1966. They had three children Steven, Davina, and Melanie. They had two grandchildren Ann McKandles Moreno and Jaxon Cantrell. In their sixty years together they found joy in taking care of their parents, children, grandchildren, friends, and mostly each other.
Always busy at work, David worked at Johnson Industries for most of his working years servicing tanks in the oilfield and later as a manager. He loved driving from site to site down the dirt roads admiring the wide open spaces. He truly loved the unique beauty of West Texas.
After retirement he was always busy at work up until the last few months. He (almost) never met a motor he couldn't fix whether it was in a car or a lawnmower. He also loved animals and raised goats, chickens, and other critters over the years. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and hiking through Big Bend with his brother-in-law and friend Jimmy and loved to tell stories about their adventures.
David was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on May 9th, 1959 and spent the rest of his life dedicated to helping others learn about and love Jehovah. It was his sincere hope everyone he met would come to know and have the kind of relationship with their creator that he had. He believed deeply the words at Psalm 37: 10, 11, 29
"Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, And they will not be there. But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it."
The hope he had of being resurrected to a paradise earth in perfect health along with his family and friends gave him the comfort and strength he needed to endure many hardships over the years. It also gave him true happiness and joy.
David taught his children and grandchildren how to do so many things. Each of them have their own experiences they'll always treasure. We will always appreciate the wisdom and common sense he shared with us, and most of all the love and compassion he taught us to have for all.
David was preceded in death by his parents, J.A. and Mary Bess McKandles, and his daughter, Davina McKandles. He is survived by his wife, Molly McKandles; his son, Steve McKandles, his daughter Ann Moreno and her husband Sergio; his daughter, Melanie Cantrell, her husband Joey, and their son Jaxon; his three sisters, Priscilla Payne, Gail Horne, and Judy Smith; as well as many other relatives and friends he cared for so deeply.
Private burial arrangements for the family will be held at a later time, but we invite all who can to visit and share food, love, and your favorite memories of David with Molly and the family on Saturday, January 3rd from 3 -6 PM.
Arrangements were entrusted with Acres West Funeral Chapel condolences may be sent online to acreswestfuneral.com