David Kavanaugh Saxe

Service: David’s Service

David Kavanaugh Saxe passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at the age of 64.  David was born on October 14, 1958.  He was adopted by Dick Saxe, Jr. and Mary Virginia Saxe shortly after birth.  David would always say that he could not have been luckier to be adopted by such great parents.  Growing up, David was an active member of Boy Scouts, Troop 41.  This had a long lasting effect on David.  He was always ready and always prepared.  He was also always ready to let you know that you were slowing him down for being late and underprepared.   Many summers were spent at Camp Stewart in Hunt, Texas.  Never ready to come home from camp, he thrived on all the activities available to him.  He was raised in Midland and graduated from Midland High in 1977.  While in high school he played tennis and was editor of the school newspaper.  As any of his friends from those days would tell you, David had a penchant for breaking the rules and having fun.  A theme throughout his life, the thoughts (and especially the opinions) of other people never stopped him from doing what he wanted to do.  If you ever got the chance to listen to him tell stories from those days, you were treated to tales of hilarious hijinks, mischief, and the occasional run ins with local law enforcement.

After high school, David attended Southwestern University in Georgetown and later the University of North Texas, in Denton.  Kappa Sig!  He worked in commercial real estate and ranch management until he returned to Midland when he reconnected with Victoria Saxe.  She was a fellow MHS classmate that shared an Honors Philosophy class with him.  She recalls that he intimidated her with his strong opinions and equally strong arguments for the same.  The two married on Thanksgiving Day, 2010 in Chimayo, New Mexico.  It was also during this time that David met his future business partner, Reagan Rich and the two founded Optima Land Services in 2014.  He was so proud of himself and his partners for building and maintaining a successful and thriving company in his 3^rd act of life.

David is predeceased by his parents, Richard “Dick” Baxter Saxe, Jr. and Mary Virginia Saxe.  He is survived by his wife, Victoria “Vicky” Saxe, his sister, Claudia Saxe (Michael Hale), his stepdaughter, Jessi Medlin, her husband Kristopher, their daughters, Jaydin and Emma, his sister in law, Rainy Walker, his nephew and niece, Miles Walker (Katy) and Madeline Walker, sister in law, Christi Lehew, and his father in law, Rayford Calhoun.

Funeral services for David will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 10, 2023 at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity in Midland, Texas.  Honorary Pallbearers are Reagan Rich, Raymond Long, and Chase Ragsdale.  A reception and celebration of life will be held at The Petroleum Club of Midland immediately following.  The family invites anyone who knew David and would love to hear your stories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 1412 W. Illinois, Midland, TX 79701, Grand Companions Humane Society of Fort Davis, 701 Compromise St., Fort Davis, TX 79734 or Helping Hands of Midland, 1301 Brinson Ln., Midland, TX 79703.

David was one of the most unique people most of us have ever met.  He was a walking contradiction.  He could yell at someone for something as innocuous as the pants they were wearing, but he was also quick to help people.  Many of the struggling young landmen to come through Optima were treated to a “bonus” to help them get through some tough times.

David ran hot and cold. He would berate you and then he’d be the warmest and kindest person you’ve met.  It’s likely because he wanted everyone to be the best they could be.  But it’s also possible he was just trying to make everyone more like himself.

He loved jokes.  His Facebook was filled with Farside cartoons, the Marx Brothers, and occasional Monty Python clips that he thought everyone should find as funny as he did.

David did not suffer fools…or Democrats.  If he thought you were wrong, he would tell you immediately, without hesitation, reservation, or a second thought.  He was as stubborn as they come and changing his mind was difficult, if not impossible.

He loved to read, especially the Wall Street Journal.  He did so every day, cover to cover.  Throughout his life he was always learning.  He attended an oil and gas law review just days before he passed.

He loved people.  David could effortlessly work his way through a crowded room talking to almost everyone.  He was calm and confident, and he seemed to always have a good time.  This annoyed his friends.

David loved to cook.  He could talk to you in detail about the ingredients used in a variety of cuisines and always had a story to tell you about when and where he ate an incredible dish.

Many years were spent playing polo and making friends in the North Texas and Houston area.  Yet, his favorite pastime was playing golf.  He was at home on the course with his friends, talking trash and telling them all the ways they were living their life wrong.  Along with his treasured golf buddies from the Denton area, he had a regular Saturday morning group at Greentree Country Club and would also compete (and WIN) in club tournaments.  The dogs on the GTCC course will miss his rationing of treats that he always had in his cart.

He loved cars.  He drove fast.  Good luck to anyone who tried to keep up.

He was a stickler for grammar.  He loved finding mistakes in writing.  Likely, he’s looking down at us upset that he’s no longer around to find the mistakes in this tribute.

He and Vicky made a yearly pilgrimage to Santa Fe and the surrounding area every Thanksgiving.  The first stop was always El Sanctuario de Chimayo to remember how fortunate they were to have another year together and give thanks for how far they had come together.   They loved to look at art and enjoy the food and culture of New Mexico.  Every time he came back from a trip, he would tell everyone what a great time they had together.

David was a great man and a loyal friend. We will all miss him deeply.  He leaves behind a wonderful legacy to his friends and family.   We’re all richer, more well-rounded people for having known him.  We will all miss our conversations with him, even when he was telling us to get a better haircut.  It gives us comfort knowing that he’s in heaven, walking with his mother and father who he loved so much, telling them that he tried to fix us but we were too ignorant to listen to his wise words.

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

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