David Phillip Church

David Phillip Church, 35, of Austin, Texas died peacefully July 7, 2015 at the Hospice Austin Christopher House after a 9-year struggle with cancer. He was born in Dallas, Texas on September 15, 1979 and lived in San Francisco for one year before moving to Austin. He attended St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Woodberry Forest School in Virginia and Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin where he played varsity football and baseball. He also graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A. and from SMU School of Law. In addition, he enjoyed traveling, music, photography, and sports of all kinds.

He was a petroleum land acquisition attorney for Lone Tree Petroleum in Denver, Colorado. When his illness reoccurred three years ago, he returned to Austin to be near his family and to receive further treatment. He courageously fought his illness and maintained a wonderful attitude; determined to preserve his values, integrity and spirit throughout.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Eleanor Church, his grandfather, Captain John N. Howard (USN), and his uncle, Chandler Church. He is survived by his parents, Phil and Joan Church, his brothers, Andrew and Matthew Church, his grandmother, Kathryn Howard, his aunt and uncle, Michelle and Roy Combs, his cousin Christopher Church and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

David and his family are deeply grateful for the medical care he received in Austin, Houston and Denver. The family especially thanks Dr. Jerry Fain, Dr. Carlos Rubin de Celis, Dr. Scott Ream, and his friend and strong co-pilot, Dr. Sharon Oxford.

His service will be held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Bobbi Kaye Jones and Reverend Dennis Wilkinson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin's Christopher House. (2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. Austin, TX 78702)