David Gomez Cedillo III

David Gomez Cedillo III, age 54, passed away in Lake Dallas, Texas, on July 13, 2026. He was born in Abilene, Texas on February 20th, 1972, to parents David Gomez Cedillo Jr. and Lenora (Norie) Grimes Cedillo.

He was preceded in death by Lenora Grimes Cedillo, Mother; David Cedillo Jr., Father; Maternal Grandparents- Otis & Mabel Grimes of Vernon, Texas; Paternal Grandparents- David Sr. & Minnie Cedillo of Abilene, Texas, and Matthew Dominguez, cousin.

David is survived by daughter, Haley Crossan, and granddaughters, Vera & Hazel Baxter, all from California; brother, Tony Love of Dallas; sister, Michelle Cedillo of San Antonio; 3 nieces- Adriana Chaffin of Oklahoma, Alyson Love of Dallas and Jade Arrington of Abilene; 2 nephews- Colt & Creed Arrington of Abilene; 2 great nieces- Shyanne & Ashtyn Chaffin of Oklahoma; 1 great nephew- Joel Chaffin of Oklahoma, 2 Aunts- Lucie Silva and Mary Rodriguez, both of San Antonio.

3 first cousins- Missy (John) Avila, Jennifer Rodriguez, Veronica (Edward) Sauceda, all of San Antonio; 9 second cousins- Ashley, Christopher & Christian Avila, Joshua, Nicholas & Mateo Dominguez, and Makayla, Madisyn & Makinly Sauceda, all of San Antonio; and beloved friend, Elizabeth Winter of Ft. Worth.

Pallbearers- Cody Childress, Mike Morgan, Glenn Petty, Blaine Frazier, David Aguirre & Everett Fraser.

David was known as "Panson". This was a nickname given to him by his family. It is a Spanish term of endearment given to chubby babies. Well, the name stuck.

Panson was usually very humble, so our apologies to him as we try to describe him in words.

Though small in stature, he was a giant in every other way.

You knew the moment David walked into a room, The first thing you noticed was a big smile. Then he would say, "How the heck are you?," followed by a big hug and embrace.

You instantly felt his magnetic, larger than life personality. He had a confident-aura that surrounded him wherever he would go. His charisma would light up any room. His personality was larger than life itself & lived life to the fullest. He made you feel so special. He made you feel great about yourself, and you were instantly better off by being around him.

Blaine Frazier stated, "When we were anywhere with David, he knew somebody. He never met a stranger, just a future friend". He would tell David he should run for Mayor.

His cousin Missy would say, "Even if Panson was across a crowded room, he would give you his trademark wink and big smile. He always made you feel so special & loved."

David had a wonderful sense of humor, a calm demeanor, a positive nature and truly was an optimist.

He was always fun to be with, but more importantly, he was a loyal friend & more like a brother to so many.

Panson had a passion for life, but he also was passionate about Christ. God and Church were at the center of his world. He was a devoted Catholic and member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Rain or shine, he always attended mass. This was a life-long lesson taught to him by his grandparents, Minnie & David Cedillo Sr. and his mother, Norie.

David had many hobbies. According to Coach Petty, he loved Tiger Woods Golf, a video game they would play all day in the Summer. David's fictional character would be decked out to the max. You see, if you're good at the game, you win prizes for your character. Petty said David's player had more stuff on than Tiger Woods himself.

David had many other past times. He was an outdoor's man. He loved to hunt, fish, golf, all water sports and taught himself to play the guitar.

He loved traveling with friends. Panson was always seeking new adventures. He even jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. That's right, he was a sky jumper. Just for the rush of it, yes, David did it all.

His first school/daycare adventure was at The Dude Ranch. During this period, he would love to sing, "Like a Rhinestone Cowboy," by Glen Campbell; his favorite childhood song.

Panson attended Jackson Elementary, Madison Middle School & Cooper High School & graduated in 1990. Like most boys in Abilene, athletics played an important role in his life. There wasn't a sport he didn't play.

To show how versatile he was, in his senior year he was moved from backup quarter back to wide receiver. David led the team in receiving yards and helped his team beat cross-town rival Abilene High. Oh, by the way, he made All District, as well.

While he excelled in many sports, he loved baseball the most. As a sophomore, he thought about quitting baseball. Still on JV as sophomore, he thought, "I'm not very good". Looking back, he would say, "Wow, I just didn't realize all the talent we had."

If you know baseball, then you know the Cougars dominated the sport state wide, as well as being recognized nationally. Thank goodness he didn't quit.

In his senior year David led his team and District with a .493 batting average. At that time this was the highest batting average of any Cooper Cougar in history. If you count all other non-district games that year, he was closer to a .700 batting average. This led to a 1st team All District selection as well as a 1st team All-State Selection. David earned an invitation to the Texas High School All Star game at the Houston Astrodome.

Next was a brief stint at Panola Jr College, followed by a stop at Abilene Christian University. Together with his good friend Mike Morgan, they won the Lone Star Conference Championship in 1993. Mike pitched the entire game, and David knocked in the winning run. They won 2-1 beating Texas A&I. In the two-game series, David had all but one of ACU's hits. This led to an All-Conference selection; man, what a stud!

After graduating from ACU with a degree in Education, he became a teacher & coach. He taught at Reagan Elementary, Clack Middle School and then at Cooper High School.

His first coaching job at Cooper was JV Girls basketball. His cousin Missy went to watch him coach a game. David called a time-out and the team surrounded him by forming a circle. David disappeared; well remember, he was height challenged.

At Cooper, he also coached both football and baseball, then eventually becoming Head Baseball Coach. He made a huge impact in the lives of his students and players. He resigned in 2015 to pursue a career in business.

David was blessed with a loving family. Being the only boy in the Cedillo family at the time, he was spoiled beyond belief.

This might be hard to believe but even at an early age, he was a prankster, joker and comedian. He could get away with anything. David, believe it or not, loved this and loved the attention even more.

After David was born, the family asked his slightly older sister, Michelle, what her new baby brother's name was. She would say, "Well, he's David Cedillo the TURD!" She just couldn't pronounce the Third, III. Well, it became an inside family joke. Even David would say to his family, "I'm David Cedillo the Turd" and just laugh & laugh. He did live up to that name!

A scholarship will be set up to honor Coach Cedillo at Cooper High School, thanks to many donations from all his friends.

David loved life & filled all our lives with so much joy and happiness. Guests are encouraged to wear colorful clothing in Celebration of his Life.

Panson, you will be greatly missed! Your laughter and love leaves a legacy, and you will forever be a guiding light for our family & everyone who knew you. Rest now and be at peace, in the Arms of the Lord.

Celebration of Life following Mass at the church hall for family and friends