On December 16, 2024, after nearly 97 years of life, the man we called Dad, David Reyes Monje was called back to his final glory by our Lord and King, Jesus, comforted and surrounded by all of his children and loved ones.

David began his life on December 27, 1927, in the rural farming area of San Martin, Texmelucan, Puebla, Mexico to Nicolás and Amalia Reyes. He was one of nine children, often spoke fondly of his youth and formative adult years, where he served in the Mexican military. After his military service, he worked as a baker and bartender in La Ciudad de México. During the 1950s, he and a brother joined the Bracero program in the United States, each embarking on their own American Dream. Due to circumstances, they lost touch for decades but were reunited in the 1990s after a long and arduous search at the request of his mother, years before her passing.

He married the love of his life, our mother, Eva Reyes Rostro, on August 15, 1954 (they would later renew their vows in the Catholic Church in 1990), and soon after they moved to Harlingen, Texas.

In 1963 with five children and a newborn, they journeyed to Santa Paula, CA where they would establish a lifetime of loving memories. In 1964, their family was complete with the birth of their seventh and final child.

One of the many dreams he had for himself and his family was becoming a US citizen. He achieved that dream in 1995.

He was a model provider for his family; working in the drycleaning industry for many years he became extremely knowledgeable and respected by many Santa Paula residents.

With a limited educational background, our father amazed his children and grandchildren with his passion for knowledge, whether he was taking night classes at the community college to sharpen his English skills or provide US history facts and grammar lessons to his grandchildren.

He was a doting grandfather; cherishing the artwork he received from any of his 17 grandchildren and never turning down an invitation to a play, awards ceremony, sporting event, or graduation, as long as he was there to support the ones he loved. He was always impeccably dressed for all events. He made sure each of his grandchildren felt special, strong, and valued, no matter their age or activity.

He took delight in activities like driving up the coast, feeling the sand between his toes, baking his signature cupcakes for all to enjoy, sharing his knowledge and expertise in agriculture, or simply enjoying a meal at Sizzler's or Marie Callender's.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Amalia Reyes, son-in-law, Carlos Cruz, and beloved wife, Eva Reyes. He is survived by his seven children, David Jr., Javier, Carlos (Gina), Roberto, Cynthia (Carlos Cruz), Eduardo (Julie), and Alma Rosa (Juan Olmos), seventeen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

We give thanks to the Lord and are eternally grateful for giving us a wonderful father for so many years. We look forward to the day of judgement where we can reunite with our parents in His holy presence.