Father David James Ivey

Reverend Father David James Ivey passed into the arms of his loving God on August 22, 2025 at the age of 70. Father David was born in El Paso, Texas to Ben Lee Ivey and Leona Oswin (nee Drugan) Ivey. The Iveys are a large Texas family (14 children) with a strong Irish Catholic tradition. They formed a bedrock for development of farming and business in the lower valley and surrounding areas. David attended Our Lady of the Valley Catholic school and Jesuit High School. He went on to graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in Horticulture. It was here, at Aggieland, that Father David first began to hear his call to the Catholic priesthood. This led to his decision to study in Rome at the University of St. Thomas Acquinas (Angelicum). He was ordained at St. Peter’s Basilica on May 25, 1986 by Saint Pope John Paul II. Following his ordination, he moved to Taiwan and served for a few years under the Bishop of Kaosheng. He later returned to the U.S. and worked in the diocese of Corpus Christi before volunteering for military service as a Roman Catholic Chaplain. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served for seven years before he was medically discharged due to a service related injury. He worked for the Austin Diocese where he served as Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham, Texas. Following this assignment, he relocated to El Paso and became a contract priest for the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss Texas. This was to be his last assignment, as he suffered a fatal accident which would take his life. He was a man of God who loved his Church and his family. He loved the military and his opportunity to serve its warriors and their families. Father Ivey dedicated his life to service, compassion, and faith. He was beloved for his unwavering devotion and spirit. Throughout his ministry, he touched countless lives, offering guidance, solace, and a steadfast presence to all who sought his counsel. His legacy endures in the communities he nurtured and the hearts he uplifted.

Father David is survived by his seven brothers, three sisters, three brother in-laws, four sister in-laws, and multiple nieces and nephews. All of whom he loved and respected dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Matthew, Patrick, and Michael.

Please join us in celebrating his life:

- For the Rosary, Tuesday September 2, 6pm with Visitation 5-9pm at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 8600 Winchester, El Paso

- Funeral Mass on Wednesday, September 3 at 10 am at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 8600 Winchester, El Paso

- Followed by internment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 South Zaragoza Road, El Paso

In Lieu of flowers please donate to this link below:

https://www.guidingstarsouthwest.org

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