David Harper Essex

On February 13th 2021, David Harper Essex passed away from injuries sustained in a one vehicle accident near Menard, Texas. David was 68 years old. David was born on November 9, 1952 in Ft. Worth, Texas and his parents were Barbara and Frank Essex.  He attended St. Ann’s Catholic School and was an altar boy with St. Ann’s Catholic Church.  David attended Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri, where he was the youngest ever to be appointed as an officer, graduating in 1970.  He attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, as well as, Texas Christian University.   David started his career at Mid-Continent Supply and Lynn Elliott Company in Houston, Texas. He later evolved as an entrepreneur doing business as Essex, LTD. in oil and gas, in Midland, TX.  Over the years, he was a spokesperson for The Gladney Center for Adoption and a past president of Midland Country Club.

David was a musician at heart and enjoyed playing the guitar. He loved music of any kind. Charming and witty, with a unique sense of humor are words often used to describe David.  He was an avid athlete.  In his younger years he enjoyed scuba diving, snow skiing, water skiing and excelled at tennis.  David loved the game of golf, that is where his heart was, playing whenever he could.  He enjoyed traveling to play courses all over with close friends.  Often, following up the game with a good hand of cards and a fine cigar. Hunting, fishing, boating, and motorcycles were a few of his hobbies.  He  was a licensed pilot, with a passion for flying since childhood. Spending time at Horseshoe Bay with family and friends was a favorite pastime. David was a fun loving and generous man and he adored his children and grandchildren. David loved life and enjoyed the blessings God gave him.

David’s sudden passing has left a hole that will never be filled and a hurt that may never stop in the hearts of his family and friends.  Despite all the sorrow, we are incredibly grateful for the time we had with him and the wonderful memories we shared.

David is survived by, his sister, Hollis (Holly) Reimers and husband Delbert of Orland, CA; daughters Elise Louise Ansley and husband Mark and their children Mason and Oliver of Frisco, TX and daughter Hilary Essex Armstrong and husband Jared and their children Jack and Wyatt of Austin, TX. Grandchildren, of his late son David Harper Essex, Jr., Elliott and Pierce of Denver, CO. Stepson, William Thomas Brown II (Bill) and wife Allison along with their children, Grace Ann, Will, Lilly and Caroline of Lakeway, TX; Stepdaughter, Bliss Brown Nauert and children Hailey, Jake and Kyle of Rockwall, TX; and his girlfriend Teresa Hansen of Midland, TX.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for Toni Redman’s devoted service to David and the Essex family for over three decades as well as Jorge Saenz for 41 years of loyalty and hard work.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at Midland Country Club on February 24 from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Gladney Center for Adoption, 6300 John Ryan Dr., Ft. Worth , TX 76132, or to Midland Shared Spaces, 3500 North A. St. Suite 1100, Midland, TX 79705, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.