David Efraim Escobar

DAVID EFRAIM ESCOBAR
Our Lord welcomed home his faithful servant, David Efraim Escobar, the morning of June 15, 2007. David was born on March 28, 1942 in Donna, Texas. In heaven, he joined his parents, Benigno C. Escobar and Maria Ignacia Juarez Escobar, his sister Alma Rebecca Escobar and brother Benigno Angel Escobar.
David graduated from Donna High School in 1960 and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Pan American College in 1965. Proud to serve his country, David joined the U.S. Army in 1966, serving with the 1st Infantry Division Artillery in Viet Nam. He obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class and received an honorable discharge in 1969 and later became a member of the VFW.
David worked for the United States Department of Agriculture in Weslaco for 36 years and retired in 2003. His best years with USDA were under the wise tutelage and supervision of Dr. Harold Gausman, who became a trusted and respected friend. David was well published in the remote sensing field; well known for his numerous articles and noted research studies covered on CNN. He and his team are famous for their relevant life contributions brought about by the infra-red technology and videoagraphy that they developed.
In 1970 David married Rosie Cruz and together they proudly raised a family of five children, David Michael of San Antonio; Carlos Omar of Sharyland; Clarissa Marie of Los Angeles, California; Ana Christina of San Antonio and Teresa Aileen of Waco. He happily welcomed Chuck's wife Nancy and Clarissa's husband Ben into the Escobar family. Prouder days came when he became a grandparent to Michael's daughter, Bianca Christine and Chuck's son, Desiderio David. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Clarissa and Ben's son and will rejoice in heaven upon his birth.
While his children grew, David was a Cub Scout leader and a Little League coach. An avid fan of the Donna Redskins and Bravettes, David was thankful he lived to see his children participate in all sports. Redskins football fans will always remember his shouts of "Fire in there" and "Defense"! He delivered specific instructions to his children at track meets, volleyball and basketball games where his booming voice was heard above the rest. He knew the fans around him enjoyed his cheering and comments; so he yelled louder, making everyone laugh and marvel at how his children continued to perform while he continued to creatively and often times critically coach them from the stands. His favorite thing to do was to watch his children perform. Advancing to play-offs brought great excitement and anticipation, especially when the games were held in San Antonio.
Above all else, his greatest source of pride was his children's academic performance and accomplishments. High expectations led to his children obtaining everything from bachelor to doctorate degrees in their favorite fields, sports medicine, law, psychology, speech pathology and accounting.
His love of food and conversation led to eating out, so David became a member of the breakfast club at the local Whataburger restaurant. He became friends with the staff at Luby's in Weslaco who prayed for him and sent him his favorite lollipops throughout his brave battle with cancer. The staff at Jose's Cafecito in Weslaco also became good friends and prayer partners.
Viewing will begin at 1 p.m. and a rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, 2007, at Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Donna City Cemetery.
Funeral services are under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna.