David Burriola Lopez

David Burriola Lopez, born June 20, 1945, passed away on February 11, 2026 after a brave and prolonged battle with illness. He was surrounded by family and loved ones, with his fighting spirit intact. A devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, David often said he enjoyed life to the fullest, and anyone who knew him—even for a single day—knew that was the absolute truth. He never missed a chance to have a good time and took every opportunity to share hislighthearted motto: “Deny, Deny, Deny.”

David was born to Paula Burriola and Alfonso Lopez and was the sixth of nine children: Janie, Virginia, Gloria, Alfonso Jr., Beatrice, Paula, Raul, and Irene. After graduating from high school, David joined the United States Army in 1963, later serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi and completed the police academy. He returned to serve his hometown as a police officer in Mathis, Texas, protecting the same community that shaped him.

While serving in the military, David and Karen Brumley welcomed a son, David Brumley. Karen raised him in California, and in 2019 the family was reunited for the first time, thanks to Natalie Brumley—a joyful chapter in David’s life.

In 1969, David married Dora Elizondo. They met in Florida, ran away to Mathis to marry, and briefly lived in California, where their first daughter, Lisa, was born. Missing Texas, the young family returned and eventually settled in Clifton, Texas in 1973. They welcomed Laundie two years later and David five years after that. Clifton remained the elder David’s home and safe place for the rest of his life. Dora preceded him in death in September 2017 and is laid to rest at Clifton Cemetery, where David will join her.

David was a hardworking man who worked as hard as he played. Over the years, he picked cotton in fields across Texas, Oklahoma, and California alongside his family, worked for the railroad, served as a plant manager, and later operated a forklift for Clifton Molding. He was known for enjoying life—sometimes a little too much—but he never failed to show up for work on Monday morning. He loved life in Clifton and was committed to his family and friends, who also called it home.

A faithful Catholic, David cherished the foundation of faith given to him by his parents. His daughter Lisa shared that one of the greatest gifts he passed on to her was instilling a love for Catholicism and a desire to seek a relationship with God—“What greater gift could there be?”

David endured many hardships with quiet strength. In 2015 he was diagnosed with Stage 3 renal failure, at the same time, Dora was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. He kept his illness private and focused on caring for her. After Dora’s passing, his health declined, leading to major surgery, extended hospitalization, open-heart surgery, ongoing dialysis, and numerous health battles. When his daughter Laundie passed away from pancreatic cancer in November 2022, David suffered a stroke but remained mentally strong despite physical struggles.

Most recently, David faced Stage 4 lung cancer. True to his resilient spirit, he continued treatment and dialysis much longer than any of his doctors expected. When his body could no longer endure, he chose to spend his remaining time with dignity, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He never gave up. When God called him, he was ready.

David was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Laundie Akins, wife of Charles Akins, and by his parents, who are laid to rest in Mathis, Texas—a place that held many of his earliest memories.

He is lovingly survived by his children: David Brumley and wife Natalie; Lisa Lopez and husband Louis; and David Lopez and wife Lori. As well as by his siblings Virginia, Beatrice, Raul, and Irene.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Charles Aikens III and wife Felicia; Rafael Cardoza; Saundra Kittel and husband Justin; Alexander Lopez; Danyell Ferch and husband TJ; Carley Howard; Emily Brumley; and Rick Brumley; and by his treasured great-grandchildren: Annika Aikens, Noah Ferch, Hadley Ferch, and Brooklyn Brumley. David also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews, several of whom proudly called him their favorite uncle and carry special memories of time spent together.

David was many things to many people, but above all he was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave his family memories that will last a lifetime. He will be deeply missed.

A Rosary will be prayed at Clifton Funeral Home, Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 10:00 Monday, February 16, 2026. Burial will follow at Clifton Memorial Park in Clifton, Texas.

May he rest in the peace of Christ.