David Earl Rosengrants, Jr.

David Earl Rosengrants, Jr. went to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 24, 2026, just three days before his 79th birthday. He was surrounded by his beloved granddaughter Morgan, his daughter Heather, and his son-in-law Paul. David was a kind, gentle, patient, forgiving, humble, and generous man whose faith in God shaped the way he lived and loved others.

David was born on September 27, 1947, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, to Manna Lou Rorex and Colonel David Earl Rosengrants, Sr., affectionately known as “Rosie.”

David was the oldest of three children, with younger sisters Saundra and Beverly. David was especially proud of his father’s military service and followed his example by serving in the Army himself. His father’s military career took the family to France during David’s childhood. He became an Eagle Scout, spent summers working at Philmont Scout Ranch, and at Hardin-Simmons University taught ROTC and rappelling. It was also at Hardin-Simmons that he met his beloved Donna Kay Duff.

David and Donna married in 1969 and shared 33 years of marriage. Their military and work years took them to Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Carson, Colorado; Korea; Abilene, Texas, Copperas Cove, Texas, (near Fort Hood), and Garland, Texas. In April 1976, they welcomed their only child, Heather. David adored his daughter, and she remained one of the great loves and greatest sources of pride in his life. David and Donna built their life around family, faith, and each other. They loved taking their family on vacations and creating memories together. Donna’s death in 2001 was a profound loss, and the love they shared remained an important part of David’s life.

After his military service, David found his calling in payroll, working for Control Data, Ceridian, and ultimately Oracle, where he retired. He loved his work and often joked, “Payroll is life!” His career took him around the world, including to India, and for many years he traveled weekly throughout the United States before spending his final working years closer to home.

In 2003, David met Patricia “Pat” Rosengrants, and they married in 2004. Their 20 years together were filled with faith, family, friendship, travel, and adventure. David embraced Pat’s sons, Robert Bieschke and his wife Diana, and Thomas Bieschke and his wife Stephanie, and became a beloved part of their family. David and Pat loved traveling with family and friends, enjoying vacations, cruises, family Christmases, and countless adventures together. Being part of Pat’s family brought David great joy, and he was especially proud of the family they built together.

David loved being a grandfather. His grandchildren—Morgan, Taylor, Ethan, Jake, Will, and Sam—adored him, and he treasured each of them. As his only granddaughter, Morgan shared a uniquely close bond with her “Papa.” The boys affectionately called him “Grampa Dave.”

Faith was at the center of David’s life. He and Donna were active at Calvary Baptist Church, where David taught youth and led adult Bible studies. Later, he became part of the family at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, where he continued to serve and became a cherished member of the church community. Especially in retirement, David devoted countless hours to helping others through prison ministry, Kolbe retreats, the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul, Minnie’s Food Pantry, Marriage Ministry, Special Olympics, hospital visitation, and more Bible studies than his family could count. He shared the love of Christ through both his words and his actions.

David’s kindness was often expressed in quiet, practical ways. Whenever someone he knew lost a loved one, he would polish everyone’s shoes and wash the car so it would be clean for the funeral. He never did these things for recognition; they were simply his way of loving people and helping carry their burdens.

David faced many health challenges during the last 25 years of his life. Through every cancer diagnosis and surgery, he remained a warrior, maintained his positive outlook, and trusted in God’s plan. Even during his difficult final years, he continued to bring warmth and joy to those around him with his familiar greetings: “Good morning, sunshine,” “Fancy meeting you here,” “I’m peachy,” and “I love you more.”

David was deeply loved by his family. In his final years, Heather, Paul, and Morgan surrounded him with love and devoted care, allowing him to remain at the center of the family he loved so dearly. He gave so much of himself—his time, his wisdom, his faith, his humor, and his love. We take comfort in knowing that he is now with the Lord and reunited with Donna and Pat.

He was deeply loved, and he will be missed more than words can say.

David is survived by daughter Heather Grubbs and her husband Paul; step-sons Robert Bieschke and his wife Diana and Thomas Bieschke and his wife Stephanie; grandchildren Morgan Grubbs, Taylor Bieschke and wife Brooke, Ethan, Jake, Will and Sam Bieschke; sister Saundra Ford; nieces and nephews Zabette Wills and husband Charlie Whittington, Kylie Pherigo and partner Hannah Ellis, Josh Pherigo and wife Shaina.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, with a rosary to follow at 7:30 p.m., led by Ricardo McKay; at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a mass to celebrate David’s life at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, with The Rev. Bruce Bradley officiating. David will be laid to rest at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Columbarium.

There will be a reception to follow the service in the Parrish Hall.