David Blackwood

David Blackwood, age 63, of Willis, TX, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 7, 2023 with his triplet sisters by his side. He was born in Houston, TX on November 21, 1960. As triplets, they were born early and were always called the “holy day” babies, because they came home from the hospital on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, and many other milestones fell on holy days. Due to the rarity of triplets at that time, David and his two sisters were always featured in the Houston Chronicle newspaper on their early birthdays and as they entered school.

David grew up on the north side of Houston and his family belonged to Assumption Catholic Church. Before he entered high school, his family moved to Spring, TX. He graduated from McCullough High School in 1979 and showed talent in auto repair as early as the age of 12. As a gifted auto, diesel, heavy equipment and marine mechanic he was owner of ATB Engine Company of Willis, TX. Throughout his career, as David’s talents continued to grow, there was no job he couldn’t do. He was passionate about his work and was always hands-on, even as late as the last few weeks before he died.

David loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his puppies, he loved living on Lake Conroe, and he loved boats - fast boats (the younger he was, the faster they were) and jet skis. He loved hosting parties for family and friends. He was kind and generous in heart and would do anything for anyone. As one of David’s friends recently stated: “The memories are endless, and our hearts are heavy. To know David was to love him, and that we did.”

David lost a big piece of his heart when his dad died in 1994, and he lost a bigger piece when his mom died in 2004. Out of the three triplets, he was the “runner” when he was young, and only his older siblings would understand that title.

David was preceded in death by his father Vernon Blackwood, Sr., his mother Amelia Blackwood, his infant sister Susan Blackwood, and his brothers John Blackwood and Michael Blackwood.

He is survived by his triplet sisters, Dawn Burks (Tommie Burks) of Shenandoah, TX and Deborah Mitschke (Scott Mitschke) of Conroe, TX, and his older sister Donna Kruse (Larry Kruse) of Addison, IL. He is also survived by his brothers Vernon Blackwood, Jr. (Shirley Blackwood) of Spring, TX and Carl Blackwood (Cheryl Durbin Blackwood) also of Spring, TX. And he is survived by his many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins, all of whom he loved and cherished.

The love of a sibling is the most unconditional love of all. It is pure and without demand, without expectations or pretense. Only time and tears take away our grief; that is what they are for.