03/06/2026
David Vandivere, who never met a stranger, finally succumbed to a broken heart. He passed away on March 5, 2026 in Amarillo, Texas and rejoined his beloved Wife, Helen Vandivere in Heaven, who had rice crispy treats and boiled custard waiting on him.
Born to Purvis and Doris Vandivere on July 29, 1938; David grew up in the Woody community attending schools until the 5th grade and thereafter, attending school in the Lamesa Independent School District.
On July 28, 1956, after graduating from Lamesa High School, he married Mary Helen Stephens. David and Helen enjoyed 68 years of marriage, based on love, commitment to each other and mutual respect. Their marriage found them enjoying square dancing, eating out and socializing with friends, attending productions at the Lamesa Community Players, being devout and active members of the First Methodist Church in Lamesa, Texas, and were actively engaged in farming and running cattle.
After leaving the oil patch as a roustabout, David gained employment with Texas Electric service company where he worked for over 35 years until his retirement. Simultaneously, David farmed for several years. David did not spend his retirement years idle. He purchased 40 acres west of town. While having no experience in building a barbed wire fence, David and Helen constructed, by themselves, a 5-strand barbed wire fence enclosing the acreage; where it still stands today. For years David and Helen ran cattle on the property, always enjoying each other’s company while driving to and from the “Rafter V” and counting noses to ensure all cattle were accounted for.
As Helen’s health declined, David became her full-time loving and constant caregiver. He assured all her needs and desires were met. He was truly devoted to Helen.
David was the truest form of a southern gentleman. He always stood for Helen (or any lady) when she entered or exited the room, seated Helen at the table, ordered Helen’s selection at a restaurant, always opened her doors, and pumped virtually every gallon of gas she needed.
David is predeceased in death by his parents, his Wife of 68 years, Helen, (which left him hopelessly heartbroken), adult son, Doyce Vandivere, and many relatives and friends. David is survived by his brother Keith Vandivere of Lubbock Texas, sister Mary Ann Gillespie of El Paso, Texas, his son Jamie Vandivere and partner, Kindra Ivey, of Amarillo, Texas; Daughters-in-law Janet Robbins of Fort Worth, Karla Webb of Shallowater, and Susan Vandivere of Lamesa. Also surviving David are grandchildren, Kenna Ripley and Husband,
Jimmy, of Shallowater, Crystal Smith and spouse, Lisa Murph, of Bedford, Rusty Smith of Shallowater, and great grandchildren Jordan Smith, Taden Logan and Kalen Logan, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Other survivors, that David enjoyed shootin’ the breeze with, on a regular basis, were the fine gentlemen that made up his McDonald’s coffee crew.
David’s obituary would not be complete without sharing some of his anecdotes. A stranger is a friend I have not made. The harder I work, the luckier I am. A man with a strong work ethic will take care of business in all aspects of his life including his family, job, community, and church. You can judge a community by the caliber of it’s public-school education. Finally, if you believe what you are taught in church, there should not be a wet eye at a funeral.
David’s family sends a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the members of the First Methodist Church of Lamesa, and the great people of Lamesa and Dawson County. A special thanks goes out to the ever-faithful Veronica Dunbar, David and Betty Merrick, Willie and Laura Ortiz, David’s neighbors on 17th Street, the staff at Lamesa Arts Hospital, the Legacy at Town Square of Amarillo, Gentiva Hospice of Amarillo, and Home Instead.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the local Cancer Society of Dawson County or the First Methodist Church of Lamesa.
Visitation will be at Branon Funeral Home, Lamesa, Texas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and services to celebrate David’s life will be conducted by Minister Mark Hackett at the First Methodist Church of Lamesa, Texas at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, followed by a graveside service at Hancock Cemetery.