David John Willmann

He was born in Port Lavaca and lived there with family. He was well-known in the community for his big and ready smile, his willingness to help, and his desire to be useful to others. Active in the Salem Lutheran Church, he served as an acolyte and usher. He liked to do garden work and took care of the flower beds at his family’s home. He also enjoyed attending music concerts.

David was born with a condition called Down Syndrome, which is characterized by an extra chromosome 21. Exactly how the existence of the extra chromosome translates into the various physical and mental conditions that exist in Down Syndrome is not fully understood. Research and study continue on the subject.

In spite of having Down Syndrome, David learned to read and write to some extent, and received schooling and instruction at home, as well as local schooling services for people with Down Syndrome and other limiting conditions and handicaps.

In his youth, he took part regularly in the Special Olympics, always striving to do as well as he possibly could. He learned to bowl, had his own bowling ball, enjoyed the sport, and also bowled with the Victoria Shining Stars group. He was an enthusiastic Calhoun Sandcrab football fan and attended games at the local stadium and out of town with his brother and some friends regularly until his health made it impossible for him to do so.

David loved to travel, was an excellent travelling companion, and visited his sister and brother-in-law in Germany as often as possible. He liked to have a map at hand for travel whether by a vehicle or by train.

David unfortunately suffered unnecessary and substandard events at medical facilities beginning in 2016 that shortened his life. However, his desire to live never lessened, he never complained, he showed his smile whenever possible, and he demonstrated courage that can be an example to others.

David’s parents were Rudolph R. Willmann and Marie Duelberg Willmann, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Melanie Voigt and her husband, Friedrich, of Germany, and by his brother Rudolph R. Willmann, Jr. of San Antonio and Port Lavaca.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca. A funeral service will be at the Salem Lutheran Church in Port Lavaca on Thursday, September 21, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Houston; 7115 W. Tidwell Road, Building K, Suite 106; Houston, Texas 77092.