David Lyle Geasland

David L. Geasland died peacefully in his home in Cisco Texas with his wife, Ann, and daughter, Darlene, by his side after a diagnosis of liver cancer just two short months ago.  Blessed with the knowledge that his time was near, David spent his remaining days saying goodbye to family and friends with grace and dignity. 

David was a Captain in the Army and served as a battlefield commander for the 11th armored cavalry regiment in Vietnam.  This experience had a profound effect on his life as it did for so many Vietnam veterans that relived the brutal memories of the war and carried the imposed shame of a nation.  David found pride and healing volunteering as the Eastland County Veterans Service Officer, helping many veterans obtain needed support and government benefits.  Additionally, he served as Adjutant for the Taylor County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 36 and was a member of the Ranger Veterans’ Support Group.  David was extremely honored to be recently recognized for his military service by Hospice of the Big Country in a ceremony at his home including family and friends.  He will be further honored by being laid to rest at the Texas State Veterans’ Cemetery in Abilene, Texas.

David grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa where he achieved recognition in high school on the debate team.  He was an Able Toastmaster who found great entertainment in debating any topic.  A graduate of the University of Iowa, David became an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and Boy Scout leader after settling his family in Iowa City, Iowa where his sons, Patrick and David II, still live today.  He was proud that Patrick achieved Eagle Scout and David II owned his own business.  Iowa City is where David began his career in the trucking industry, eventually moving to Texas to become a large commercial carrier Safety Inspector and Regulator for the US Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  He is credited with writing the national drug and alcohol regulations that are still enforced today. 

In Texas, David met his wife Ann who found great joy in county western dancing with her husband.  His job took the couple to New Mexico in 1993 where they were active in the music and children’s ministries at Holy Child Catholic Church and served as honorary caretakers of the San Antonito mission church.  The couple retired to Cisco Texas in 2013 where they joined Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and David was a member of the choir, served as a lector, and taught religious education.

In retirement, David discovered a passion for knife-smithing, including the leather work of custom sheaths.  Many family and friends have been privileged by the legacy of a “flying goose” creation.  In his last days, David shared his knife making knowledge with interested friends.  He also expressed his excitement to see Jesus and his sister Nora Fellingham, brother Bob, mother Elnora, father Monte, and granddaughter Bria Brown who passed before him.  Finally, David shared his gratitude for those that have been part of his life and pride for his family – Wife Ann Geasland of Cisco, TX; daughter, Darlene and her husband, Brian Brown of Estes Park, CO; son, Pat of North Liberty, IA; son, David and his wife, Katie of Coralville, IA; son Jon Newberry and his wife, Laurie of Euless, TX; daughter Sara Newberry of Dallas, TX; grandsons Logan and Caden Brown, Austin and Alex Geasland, and Connor Newberry; granddaughters Allyson, Carley, and Ashlyn Geasland and Alex Newberry; brother Ron; sister Barbara Geasland; and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Please consider a contribution in David’s name to the Ranger Vietnam Memorial, PO Box 251, Ranger, Texas 76470.

Visitation will be on July 29th at 6:00 p.m. at Kimbrough Funeral Home in Cisco Texas with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held on July 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cisco Texas.  A military ceremony and burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Texas State Veterans’ Cemetery in Abilene Texas.

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