Our beloved, David Lee Estes aka One of the “Crappie Kings”, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 18, 2023. He was born on June 17, 1939 in Nicholasville, Kentucky to John and Edna Estes. David joined the United States Coast Guard in his youth, and served his country for 20 years. He was honorably discharged and retired in 1977. In the same year, he joined the Houston Police Department and served for another 23 years and retired again in 2000.
David and Sammy lived in Leakey, Texas for 16 years after he retired. He was a member of the Lions Club there. He is an honorary lifetime member of the Conroe FFA. He was very proud of being a lions club member, and being involved in the Conroe FFA organization. David loved many of the simple things in life: fishing, having friends/family over for poker & fried fish, cooking Gumbo and seafood, cooking and making sausage, floating the river, listening to music, playing golf, attending Brahman cattle shows with his friend, Billie Farris of Centerville, Texas. But his greatest thrill was simply spending time and doing life with his wife, sons and daughters, his grand and great grand children, family and friends.
David was preceded in death by his mother and father, John and Edna Estes, his grandson, Cody Lane Smith, and son, John Allen Muggli of Nevada, Texas.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sammy Estes of Montgomery TX. His two sons: John Estes and Rhonda of Nampa, Idaho, Joseph Muggli and Pamela of Willis, TX. His five daughters: Chynthia Deaver of Montgomery, TX, Madeleine Hermosa and Abel of Bakersfield, CA, Theresa Mentzer and Thad of Montgomery TX, Nancy Provence of Montgomery TX, Karla Bixler and Casey of Crosby, TX, Daughter-in-law, Deborah of Nevada, TX, his precious dog Heidi, 24 grandchildren and 20 great grand children, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends that were family, and many close friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in David's name to Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that helps veterans and active duty service members. www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
