David Romaine Linder

On Sunday, October 25, 2015, family and friends will gather at Memorial Lutheran Church, 5810 3rd Street in Katy, Texas, to honor the Patriarch of the Linder Family. Senior Pastor John Davis will lead the service and Pastor Dimas Jimenez will assist. David Romaine Linder, 82, of Houston, Texas succumbed in his sleep to congestive heart failure early in the morning of October 20, 2015. It is comforting to know that he was prepared, having believed in the Lord for many years, and as an adult, served as a lay-pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Springer, New Mexico.

David was born on August 3, 1933 in Mosquero, New Mexico. His family bought a farm near Roy, New Mexico where he spent time fishing and helping the family. During his high school career at Roy High School, David, was recognized with all-state basketball and football merits, in addition to receiving three medals at the New Mexico State Track Meet. This ‘giant’ of a student, also was a four year track letterman at the University of New Mexico. He set the collegiate stadium javelin record at Skidmore Stadium in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Prior to college, Dad was selected in the Major League Draft as a pitcher. At the University of New Mexico he was the starting hurler for the annual game with the Albuquerque Dukes. Another outstanding honor for this student included being appointed to the New Mexico Boys State Premier Leadership Program, which helped shape his noble character for a lifetime. At graduation from the university, David received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacology. This course of study prepared David to serve as a pharmacist at the Pentagon in Washington, D. C. while servicing in the United States Army from 1955 through 1957.

While employed at the Pentagon, David met a beautiful, young WAC, also employed in another department of the Pentagon. She, Loida completely won his heart, and Dave did what came naturally… he asked her to become his wife. After this, the young couple married May 10, 1957 in New York City, New York. After serving their committed military time at the Pentagon, the couple moved to Springer, New Mexico. Entrepreneur Pharmacist, David Linder, purchased a Drug Store and later a Department Store in Springer, New Mexico. David purchased an additional pharmacy in Clayton, New Mexico. He also loved art and collected the works of Paul Lantz. The family also resided in Miami, New Mexico, Clayton, New Mexico, Las Vegas, New Mexico, San Felipe, Mexico, and later in Houston, Texas.

David Romaine Linder is survived by his devoted wife, Loida Linder, residing at their home, oldest son, David Peter and his wife, Elizabeth; son, Mark Benjamin and his wife, Karon; daughter, Rebecca Linder; daughter, Andrea Linder, and her spouse, Israel Mateos; twelve grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jeanne Williams of San Antonio, Texas; Sharon Kelly of T or C, New Mexico. Our father was preceded in death by their daughter, Rachel Salas Linder, and his parents, David Walter and Audrey V. Linder.

Special appreciation is given to the staff of Nany’s Country Cottage for their loving care rendered to David during his final days.

Our entire family deeply appreciates the caring congregation at the Memorial Lutheran Church of Katy, Texas for providing the sanctuary at this special time, commemorating the home going of David R. Linder. We sincerely appreciate each of you friends and family who have joined us during the time of loss and triumph for our beloved, David. Your cards, flowers, calls, and visits have touched our hearts with much love and gratitude.

Arrangements are through Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX.