David Lee Branstetter, Jr.

SANTA FE – Mr. David Lee Branstetter, Jr. passed away at the age of 70 on Tuesday, August 26. 2025, in Texas City.

David was born in Galveston, Texas to two loving parents. He loved to fly, receiving a Pilot's License and going on to join the Civil Air Patrol in his teens. He attended La Marque High School and later the University of Alaska, where he got a job at a gold mine. While in Alaska he met his first wife, Annis, and had his first son, Jonathon. He later moved back to Texas and got a job at Stantrans, where he met his second wife, Dawn, and had his second son, Matthew. He would later retire from Valero when he was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. He and his youngest son Matthew lived together in Texas City, and they later moved to Santa Fe where he would live out the rest of his days. He loved his kids, he loved his dogs, and he loved flying

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Thelma (Schaub) Branstetter, Sr.; wife, Dawn Elizabeth Branstetter.

Survivors include his sons, Jonathan Branstetter, Matthew Branstetter; brothers, Steve “Beaver” Branstetter, Richard Branstetter; sisters, Sheila Harvey (Terry), Tammy Bush (Paul), Lisa Wilkins (David); aunt, Louise Brannon; aunt, Jean Cherry; cousin, Ellen Vanier, partner in crime and cousin, Doug Sweeny; kitty and arch nemesis, Noir.

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in David’s name to American Kidney Foundation, 2223 Buckner Boulevard, #250, Dallas, Texas 75227.

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