David Gilbert Gurule-Gallegos, the ninth child of Solomon & Rafelita Gallegos was born August 7, 1949 in Nyssa, Oregon. He was baptized in American Falls, Idaho and received his 1st Communion & Confirmation at the St Bridget’s Catholic Church in Nyssa, Oregon.
He attended Nyssa schools and then enlisted in the Armed Forces – Army branch, July 8, 1966 through April 26, 1969. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington / Fort Orr, California / Fort Bragg, Georgia / Fort Benning, Georgia and deployed to Viet Nam for 1 year 7 months and 22 days. David earned the following metals while in Vietnam for three tours:
NDSM, National Defense Service Military
VCM, Vietnam Campaign Metal
VSM, Vietnam Service Metal
3 O/S Bars, Overseas Service Bars
ABM, Anti-Ballistic Missile
CIB/FW, Combat Infantrymen Badge. Fighter Wings
MKM Awards:
Mk 14 Mod O EBR (Enhanced Battle Rifle)
Mk 16 Assault Rifle
Mk 79 Single-Shot 40mm Grenade Launcher
Mk 60 Machine Gun
David and Lori Cleaver were together since 1989. On April 6, 2007 they were married at their home in Boise. David was Lori’s “Little Mexican Macho Man”.
David was one of fifteen children, Brothers: Anthony (LaRue) of Blackfoot, Idaho; Solomon “Shorty” (Gloria), of Denver, Colorado; Paul of Pingree, Idaho; Philip (Linda) & Leroy of Nyssa, Oregon.
Sisters: Martha Silva of San Benito, Texas; Theresa (Hector) Osuna of Alamo, Texas; Rose of Forest Grove, Oregon; Elvie (Ruben) Gonzales of Nyssa, Oregon. Son: Christopher (Ileana) Stover and two grandchildren, Amaya Janette & Adrian Jon of Phoenix, Arizona; and 152 nephews and nieces.
David Passed away on January 31, 2017 at home in Boise, Idaho after suffering from a stroke.
He was preceded in death by: Father, Solomon (1962) & Mother, Rafelita (2006); Brothers: Eddie “Husky” (1967), Billy (2014) & Bobby (2014); Sisters: Dorina “Cookie” (2004), Lena (2010) & RoseMarie (2011); Brother-in-law Jose Silva (2014); Sister-in-laws: Joyce Hightower-Gallegos (1990) & Jeanie Larson (2014); Nephew Terry Gallegos (2009); Nieces: Melissa Snow (2009), Annette Apodaca (2013) & Stephanie Thompson (2014)
David loved helping people which didn’t apply to just family but also to others. He would seek out the homeless and at times bring them home with him to feed and have them help out with his yard work and then pay them for sitting around talking instead of working. One of David’s greatest loves were his dogs. If you ever visited his home his dogs would surely greet you at the door barking enthusiastically. Cholo, Gypsy & JR will be totally lost without their master.
David had a great personality and loved to make people laugh. He would keep us entertained for hours. In fact, he was downright crazy, and this is said with the greatest love. Throughout the years, David was videotaped by family acting out his story telling adventures which were filled with a creative imagination. His family always thought that David should have pursued a career as a standup comedian.
Anyone knowing David would probably have not only one but many stories to tell. David will be truly missed by many!
SERVICE IS SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2017
Memorial Mass:
St. Bridget Catholic Church @ 1:00pm
Fifth St and Locust Ave
504 Locust Ave
Nyssa, OR 97913
Reception:
Nyssa Senior Center @ 2:00pm
316 Good Ave,
Nyssa, OR 97913
10 Comments
Our deepest sympathy to David’s family. We look forward to a time when “no one will say I am sick”. -Isaiah 33: 24
Lori,
Our family is really going to miss brother, Dave….
He was one crazy guy and we have to Thank you, for loving our brother and taking such good care of him.. I’m hurting so much for losing my brother but, also hurting for you.
“One Day at A Time” is my motto and hopefully, I can take my own advise..
We Love you Lori and don’t ever forget that.. we are here for you and I truly mean it…
May my Brother, Dave Rest In Peace now as he is no longer in pain.
I know he is with our mom and is okay because he was responding to her and reaching out as she took his hand to guided him home.
Brother Dave, you will be missed so much – Love you, Sister Rose.
Going to miss you My Tin Man…..”oh I see” u see what do you see lol so many memories Love You Uncle David
Our most sincere and heart felt sympathy to all of David’s family. I always look up to David an honored to have known him.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of David. We enjoyed his company so much when he came to visit us in Beaumont years ago. He will certainly be missed.
I (Luis) have known David since he was about two years old. Though I haven’t seen him much lately, I will miss him very much. He was a special person to all who knew him.
The first time I saw him, he had fallen off the back of his Dad’s truck and had a big gash with blood streaming from his forehead, where he’d hit his head on a jagged rock. He didn’t cry; he simply got up and resumed playing…he was one tough kid! After all, he was only two years old at the time.
One of David’s special attributes was his personality. People always felt comfortable around him, because he was welcoming and seemed to have a special connection with people.
We will all see you again someday, David. Our condolences to the Gallegos family.
Luis and Shirley Vendrell
Lori, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am incredibly sorry for your loss of David. I cannot imagine your pain of such a loss. One thing that has helped me find comfort is God’s promise at Revelation 21:3-5, it says “God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May the hope God gives of a brighter future ahead, when such tragedies will be a thing of the past bring you solace and warmly embrace you, helping to carry you through the difficult mourning process in the days ahead! With deep sorrow!
David was always such a nice, polite guy. He will be greatly missed. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
occasionally I go to this pages and this is how I found out about DAVID, I am SO SORRY and SAD to read of your loss, LORI and the whole GALLEGOS FAMILY, may you find comfort with time, taking it one day at a time. David and you LORI were 2 of our favorite people at RUSTY’s, because you are right. “He was the LIFE of the gathering. May he rest in PEACE. He was and is definitely loved by many. Let the LORD carry you all thru this time. XOX
Add Comment