David Reid

David Lauerman Reid

July 21, 1924 to March 22, 2020

David was born in Mitchell, South Dakota and spent his early years in South Dakota and Wyoming. His birth parents were Anthony and Mildred Lauerman.

He graduated from the Pinedale High School in Wyoming and worked for the Boeing Aircraft Company prior to entering the Armed Services. He served in the Army Air Corps, Army Specialized Training Unit, and the Forty Fourth Infantry Division. He was involved in several major campaigns during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, three Bronze Service Stars, the Purple Heart, and other unit citations.

After the war, he attended the University of Utah and received a Bachelors’ Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He spent twenty years working with Phillips Petroleum Company, in the divisions of Refining, Rocket Fuels, Atomic Energy, and Plastics. He met his wife, Marie in McGregor, Texas and moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho to work at the Idaho National Laboratory, which was part of the Atomic Energy Commission.

He and his family moved to Waxahachie, Texas in 1972 to build and operate Dart Container Corporation’s new plant. He served as its Plant Manager for 15 years before retiring.

David was active in civic and community organizations including the First United Methodist Church, the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Waxahachie Senior Citizens Center, the Civil Service Commission, Sims Library, and the Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Sioux Indian Tribe, Rosebud Indian Reservation, Rosebud, South Dakota where his mother was born and raised.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 50 years Marie.

He is survived by his son David Larry and daughter-in-law Carrie Ann of Stevensville, Maryland, his three Grandchildren Stephen (his wife Christy), Chelsea, Datia, and his many friends including Dee Campbell.  He has two Great Grandchildren, Jayden and Liam.

David will be placed beside his wife at the DFW National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send a memorial to the First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie.