Dave attended schools in Bridgeport, Nebraska, until the ninth grade, and then stayed home to work with his father to help the family.

In July of 1956 he joined the U.S. Marines and graduated from basic in San Diego, California. During his service with the Marines, he married Sandra Edwards from Bridgeport, NE.

He was honorably discharged in 1962. David and Sandra had two children: Rhonda Marie (Estrada) Payton and Dion Joseph Estrada.

Dave worked on the Greenwood Ranch for the Keenans and became part of the family. He also worked for the Chikos family and was said to be the best irrigator they ever had. Dave was a loyal, hardworking family man and friend, known to be an “old school” farmer/irrigator.

During the winter months, he worked for the Sugar Factories in Bayard, Gering and Scottsbluff, NE.

Later he married his wife Daisy, and they had a daughter, Faith Estrada.

Beginning in 2001, he would stay in Arizona with his daughter Rhonda during the winter months, and then come back to Nebraska to help farm in the summers. He remained a snowbird until his retirement in 2012. He then moved toTucson to be near his children for his remaining years. He was known for his love of the outdoors and his kind sense of humor.

Dave loved animals and became a pet sitter once retired. He also attended church with his daughter until his death.

Dave was preceded by his sisters: Josephine, Lenore, and Esther; as well as five brothers: Mike, Freddy, Ben, Lee, and Thomas.

He is survived by his daughters Rhonda of Tucson, AZ, Dion of OK, and Faith of IA; his three grandchildren: David DeFrates of Tucson, Micheala and Jacob of Omaha, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the New Life Wesleyan Church in Tucson. He will be laid to rest at the Arizona Veterans Cemetery in Marana.

You may send cards and flowers to Rhonda Payton at 8786 E. Stone Meadow Circle,Tucson, AZ, 85730.