Dave was very entrepreneurial and ran several successful businesses during his lifetime: a paint store in Morro Bay, California, two moving and storage companies in Fresno, and two tour bus companies in Fresno. He was a very handy man and could do most anything he set his mind to.
Dave served in the US Army and was in World War II. He was in the second wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day with the First Division,18th Infantry and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He had the privilege of even driving General Dwight Eisenhower a few times. Dave had a jeep "shot out from under him" three times during his tour. He was also invited to and participated in the first Honor Flight from Fresno in 2013. He thoroughly enjoyed the Honor Flight and remained friends with the guardian who accompanied him on the Honor Flight until his passing.
Dave met and married his first wife, Betty Lou McCoy, in 1946 and had two daughters, Pamela and Dianna, before her passing in 1988 from complications resulting from an automobile accident.
Dave is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cheryl, his two daughters, Pamela Hicks (Dan) and Dianna McCoy. Four grandchildren, Jennifer Otto (Michael), Emily Garcia (Jose), Jonathan Hicks (Rosanna), Saralyn Britt (Bryan), and six great grandchildren, Rebekah Hicks, Victoria Clowers, Walker Otto, Emma Garcia, Owen Garcia, and Ava Garcia. As well as two great great grandchildren, Fayelina Bastow and Sophie Bastow. Cheryl's two children, Jill and John (Cindy), two grandchildren Johnny (Breanna) and Erin (AJ), Johnny's kids, Harlee, Elsie, and Remi. Cindy's daughter, Amy (Geric), her daughter, McKenzy. Erin's kids Benjamin, Scarlett, Colt, and Sayler.
David's celebration of life will be a graveside service on Monday, August 14 at 10:30 am at Fresno Memorial Gardens followed by a reception at People's Funeral Chapel in Hanford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Central Valley Honor Flight by visiting their website at https://cvhonorflight.org/donate-now/ or by mailing a check to Central Valley Honor Flight c/o Central Valley Community Foundation,1260 Fulton Street, Suite 200, Fresno, CA 93721.
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