David Peeler

In Remembrance of our beloved David Ralph Peeler Jr. There will be a celebration of David’s life from 5 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, TX.
David was born in Long Beach, CA on April 29, 1978. He was a ginger and first grandson, so he was spoiled rotten. Even his older sister adored him, convinced he was her living baby doll. His father was stationed in Hawaii at the time of his birth but soon after received orders to move to China Lake, CA where his little brother formed the trio. Their stay in China Lake was short. The Peeler’s moved to NAS Lemoore, CA where his two sisters were born, tilting the scales 3 girls 2 boys. The family stayed in the Lemoore/Hanford are for many years thereafter. It was here David spent most of his life. He married and helped raise his three stepchildren. David was happiest being a family man. He made a career working out at the Tachi Palace. The years passed as it does, life brought change. This was a difficult time for David, but through it all he was blessed with his daughter, his only biological child. This little girl was perfect and brought great happiness to him during trying times. She was her daddy’s pride and joy! Despite his happiness of being a father, David spent many years struggling to find himself. This battle recently brought him to Texas where his mother and sisters had recently moved. Texas was a good decision for David as he found a good job he loved, bought a car and was able to get his first apartment on his own. Here he got really close to his mother, spending time working alongside her doing door dash for a second income. David was the happiest he had been in a long time. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm was brief. Regrettably, he was found in his home in his final rest just three short months later. David was a victim of a heinous crime and taken from his family way too soon and far too young, just five days before his forty fifth birthday.
David leaves behind his daughter Alaina Reign Peeler of Delano, CA, robbed of watching her grow beyond her short nine years; his stepdaughters Breanna Cruz of Woodlake, CA, Natalie Alvarez-Ruvacaba of Montrose, CO, and a stepson Adan Cruz (AJ) of Delano, CA, and his eight grandchildren. He is survived by his mother Eva Villa of Waco, TX, father, David Ralph Peeler Sr of Hanford, CA; three sisters, Danielle Rico of Lacy Lakeview, TX, Dawn Ford of Killeen, TX, and Debra Byrd of Temple, TX; one brother, Darek Peeler of Hanford, CA; three brothers-in-law, Rick Rico, Chris Ford, and De’Mar Byrd; one sister-in-law, Heidi Peeler. He has eight nephews, 2 nieces, five great nephews, and three great nieces; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him dearly. His Auntie Eva remains his only living great aunt.
He was preceded in death by a grandson Ryan Wesley Williams; paternal grandparents, Ray and Elsie Peeler of West Plains Missouri; and his maternal grandparents Alexander and JoAnn Villa of El Monte, CA.
David loved people and was well liked by all. He was best described as a gentle giant. You only had to meet David once, after that you were friends. He was kind, loving and did not have a mean bone in his body. He will be greatly missed by all but for some, he’s left an empty space in our hearts.