David D. Albers

David Dean Albers, 76 years old, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in the company of his wife of almost 47 years, Patricia J Albers. 

David was born in Ord, Nebraska on January 18, 1949. He lived a very full life which included 3 years of military service in the US Army. While in the Army Dave served in the Vietnam War as heavy equipment operator building roads throughout the “DMZ” area. During this time, Dave came in contact with Agent Orange. Unfortunately, Agent Orange attacked his body long after his military service. Dave’s unwavering strength and will to overcome adversity was never more evident than through his battle against the effects of Agent Orange. The devastating impacts included bladder, prostate, and finally lung cancer. Even through all the struggles, David proudly wore his Vietnam Veteran hat and was happy to share his appreciation for the Dallas Veterans Affairs staff and support. 

From California to Washington State, Dave spent a large portion of his life on the west coast working, living, and exploring. Dave enjoyed his career in the construction industry. While living in Riverside, California, Dave was employed with Aware Development, Riverside Acoustics, and lastly spent 20 years with Hy-Tech Tile. He enjoyed helping customers improve their spaces. 

Dave was always an adventurous soul. He loved to camp, fish, and tour National Parks. These trips often included his blended family of three children, godchildren, and numerous “adopted” neighborhood kids. Later on, Dave traveled with his “sweetheart” Pat and their puppies for months at a time in their 5th wheel, and spend time visiting with family and friends all throughout the United States. 

After retirement, Dave and Pat sold their Moreno Valley home in 2013, packed the puppies up in the 5th wheel, and moved to Waxahachie Texas. Dave was never shy and Pat has never met a stranger, so they quickly bonded with their Waxahachie neighbors and found a welcoming family in faith at the Cowboy Church of Ellis County. In addition to Sunday services, Dave participated in many church programs, Men’s Prayer Breakfasts, and Connect Groups. Dave was baptized at the Cowboy Church in January of 2022. These neighbors and church friends turned into such a blessing when Dave began his battle with cancer. They provided transportation to numerous doctors’ appointments in Dallas and eagerly helped around their 2.6 acres. 

While living in Texas, Dave enjoyed spending time with Goddaughter Jean Ann, her husband Doug, and son, Conner from Arlington, Texas. “GrandpaDave” looked forward to time with Grandson Conner teaching him how to ride a garden tractor, use the “Zero-Turn” lawnmower, shoot a BB gun, and eventually safely shoot targets with various rifles out by the pond on the back half of their property. What fun they had giving “GrandMaPat” a hard time, playing board games, eating Hershey bars, and watching Barnwood Builders. 

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Richard C. Albers and mother, Ann Marie Albers; and brother Jonathan Albers. 

He was survived by brothers Richard R. Albers, of Placentia, CA and William and wife, Diane Albers, of Jacksonville, FL; Daughters Julie McCants, of Marysville, WA and Diana Calderon, of Riverside, CA; Son Dean Albers, Marysville, WA. Dave is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and 3 nephews, 4 Goddaughters (“The Goodwin Girls”), along with many other “adopted kids” and extended family members.