David Leslie Karrer was born in Orange, New Jersey, on January 6, 1941, to Percy and Mary K. Karrer. He grew up alongside his older brother, John, and later welcomed a baby sister, Edythe. Some of David’s fondest childhood memories were made outdoors with his family—at their cabin in the Poconos and along the coast in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. When David was 13, the family moved to Houston, Texas. 

David graduated from Spring Branch High School, where he participated in the band and met the love of his life, Mary. David’s love for Texas A&M was lifelong and unmistakable. From the moment he followed his brother to Aggieland, he became an Aggie through and through. As a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, playing the trombone, he formed memories and friendships that stayed with him for the rest of his life. He could tell story after story about his days at A&M, and those stories were always shared with a twinkle in his eye and tremendous pride. To David, being an Aggie was far more than attending a university—it was a lifelong identity, a cherished community, and a part of who he was. His love for Aggieland was legendary, and he never lost his enthusiasm for the school, its traditions, or the Aggie family. 

David graduated from Texas A&M in 1963, and was commissioned into the United States Army as a second lieutenant. He and Mary were married in September 1963, and soon moved to Germany, where David served as a tank battalion commander. He proudly served in the Army for six years. When asked recently to describe his time in the military, David simply replied, “Exhilarating!” 

Following his military service, David began a career with Allstate Insurance in Houston.  Their first daughter, Nell, was born in Houston, and the family later moved to San Antonio, where their second daughter, Leslie, was born. After returning to Houston for a time, David and Mary made the decision in 1975, to move to Centerville, Texas. Centerville remained their beloved home for the rest of David’s life. 

David was a devoted follower of Christ. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he spent countless hours studying his Bible, praying, and preparing lessons for Sunday school and Bible studies. He served for many years as a deacon, lay pastor, and Sunday school teacher, and he lovingly mentored many people in their spiritual walks.

David and Mary sang together in the choir at First Baptist Church Centerville, where they made many dear friends. They were charter members of Leona Baptist Church, where David taught the Sunday school class affectionately known as the “Joy” class. Later, David and Mary joined Cowboy Church of Leon County, where they attended for eighteen years. David served as a lay pastor, while Mary enjoyed bringing her horse to the church’s arena events. In recent months, they were members of North Creek Baptist Church.

David’s greatest earthly joy was his family, followed closely by fishing and traveling in their camper. He and Mary shared nearly sixty-three years of marriage, building a life together rooted in faith, family, friendship, and service. His love for Mary, his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandson, nieces and nephews was evident to all who knew him.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Mary Karrer, and his brother, John. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty-three years, Mary H. Karrer of Centerville, Texas; his sister, Rev. Dr. Edythe Karrer Steele (Terry) of Norwich, Connecticut; his daughters, Nell Kendall (Brett) of Centerville, Texas and Leslie Scott (Eric) of Richardson, Texas; his grandchildren, Daniel Kendall (Samantha) of The Woodlands, Texas, Stephen Kendall (Amy) of Plano, Texas, Madeline Scott of Dallas, Texas, and 2nd Lieutenant Connor Scott, USMC; his great-grandson, Percy Kendall of Plano, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

David leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

The Karrer family would like to thank Vital Caring Hospice for the excellent care provided to David during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s honor may be made to the following: Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Association, 1507 South College Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77801-1214, www.corpsofcadets.org or North Creek Baptist Church, 8153 FM 3178, Centerville, Texas 75833, www.northcreekbaptist.com

A funeral service celebrating the life of David Leslie Karrer, will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Bro. Don Craft, pastor of North Creek Baptist Church, will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Centerville Cemetery. A time of visitation and remembrance will take place from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2026, also at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Daniel Kendall, Stephen Kendall, Connor Scott, Brett Kendall, Eric Scott, Madeline Scott

Honorary Pallbearers: Fightin' Texas Aggie Band - Class of 1963, Percy Kendall, Joe Watts, Robert Faulke

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas - A Walters Family Funeral Home.