David Carlos Menchaca

MCALLEN - David Carlos Menchaca, 59, went to be with our Lord on Friday August 16, 2024, in Edinburg. David was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Jesus and Otilia Menchaca; his brother, Jose Daniel Menchaca. David passed away peacefully at the age of 59 with his family by his side. He died battling his second bout of cancer, to which he never gave up fighting.
 
David grew up in McAllen and graduated from McAllen High School in 1983. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he began his lifelong love of the Texas Longhorns. Following, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked as a Signal Intelligence Analyst. While in the Marine Corps, he was stationed in both Hawaii and Japan and traveled the world during several deployments. After joining the Marine Corps, he continued his service by joining the Texas Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper in 1989. David was part of the A-89 recruit school and, over the years, served in many positions within the Department, such as Texas Highway Patrol, SWAT team, Honor Guard, Governors Protective Detail (EPB), and Criminal Law Enforcement/Criminal Investigations Division. During his time with the Department, he also served in several duty stations, including Baytown, Austin, Harlingen, McAllen, and Weslaco. He worked his way up the ranks and retired as the Region 3 CID Major after 27 years of faithful service to the State of Texas. David's son, Jonathan, looked up to his father and also joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2018 as a State Trooper to follow in his footsteps.
 
David was dedicated not only to his work but also to his family and community. He volunteered his time as a Regional Representative for the Department of Public Safety Officers Association and Weslaco Little League Baseball, as well as attended all of his kids' sporting and school events. During his time as a Little League volunteer, David served as a Team Coach, League President, then the Regional Director for the South Texas area. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed whitetail deer hunting and bike riding with friends. David's son, Jonathan, and daughter, Melissa, attended Texas A&M University, which created a friendly family rivalry. The entire family attended a variety of Aggie and Longhorn sporting events. David also enjoyed taking his family to Texas Ranger and Houston Astros baseball games. Family time and outings were priceless to him.

David is survived by his wife, Dianne B. Menchaca; three children, Jonathan David Menchaca, Brianna Dianne (Henry Benschoter) Menchaca, and Melissa Deborah Menchaca; four siblings, Irma Menchaca, Nilda M. Anes, Diana M. Dailey, and Celia M. Segovia; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with 7 p.m. rosary, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission with full honors. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.