1956
2017
David John Willmann of Port Lavaca passed away on August 24, 2017 at age 60 in the presence of his family.
He was born in Port Lavaca and lived there with family. He was well-known in the community for his big and ready smile, his willingness to help, and his desire to be useful to others. Active in the Salem Lutheran Church, he served as an acolyte and usher. He liked to do garden work and took care of the flower beds at his family's home. He also enjoyed attending music concerts.
David was born with a condition called Down Syndrome, which is characterized by an extra chromosome 21. Exactly how the existence of the extra chromosome translates into the various physical and mental conditions that exist in Down Syndrome is not fully understood. Research and study continue on the subject.
In spite of having Down Syndrome, David learned to read and write to some extent, and received schooling and instruction at home, as well as local schooling services for people with Down Syndrome and other limiting conditions and handicaps.
In his youth, he took part regularly in the Special Olympics, always striving to do as well as he possibly could. He learned to bowl, had his own bowling ball, enjoyed the sport, and also bowled with the Victoria Shining Stars group. He was an enthusiastic Calhoun Sandcrab football fan and attended games at the local stadium and out of town with his brother and some friends regularly until his health made it impossible for him to do so.
David loved to travel, was an excellent travelling companion, and visited his sister and brother-in-law in Germany as often as possible. He liked to have a map at hand for travel whether by a vehicle or by train.
David unfortunately suffered unnecessary and substandard events at medical facilities beginning in 2016 that shortened his life. However, his desire to live never lessened, he never complained, he showed his smile whenever possible, and he demonstrated courage that can be an example to others.
David's parents were Rudolph R. Willmann and Marie Duelberg Willmann, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Melanie Voigt and her husband, Friedrich, of Germany, and by his brother Rudolph R. Willmann, Jr. of San Antonio and Port Lavaca.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca. A funeral service will be at the Salem Lutheran Church in Port Lavaca on Thursday, September 21, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Houston; 7115 W. Tidwell Road, Building K, Suite 106; Houston, Texas 77092.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home.
October 13, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
September 23, 2017
Gay Woodward
I have such fond memories of David. We rode the bus together when I would go to your home for piano lessons and we would visit while I was waiting for my lesson. David was a "gem" in our little community of PL and he taught us all so many valuable things. Sending condolences from the Curtis Foester Family (Curtis , DeLisa F Hutchison & Gay Foester Woodward)
September 21, 2017
Edie Guidry Fleck
I remember David quite well! Was always smiling and friendly. I admired your family so much for including him in everything! He will have a perfect home in Heaven! God Bless you all.
September 20, 2017
Jim & Cathy Boenig
Bobby, just got word this afternoon from Debbie Eilers of your brother's passing. We'll keep you and Melanie in our prayers. Hope to see you again some day....
September 20, 2017
Kitty Newton
to the Willmann family, while I did not personally know your brother other than in passing, I did know him thru your father, Dr Willmann. I was a young student first time I met Dr Willmann and at times he would have David with them at concerts. I was in choir from my elementary years thru High school and Mr Williams. So sorry for your loss. Kitty Fisher Newton
September 19, 2017
Debbie Eilers
To Bobby and Melanie-you had a very special little brother that made a deep impression on many of us. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
September 18, 2017
Beth Tuttle
To the Willmann family I like working with David at Special Olympics and I know he was a Sandcrab Fan and he would always come to our Grace Epicspoail Pancake Supper God Bless Ya Beth Tuttle
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Funeral services provided by:
Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home123 Newlin Street, Port Lavaca, TX 77979-3059
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more