David Garrett Cleveland

David Garrett Cleveland, aged 86, of Mineral Wells, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024. 

A Memorial Service for David will be held at First Baptist Church, Mineral Wells, TX on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. following a burial at Woodland Park Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.  A reception will be held in the Family Life Center of the church immediately following the service.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas on December 1, 1937, David lived a fulfilled life dedicated to serving his Lord, his family and his community. 

He began his college career at Hardin Simmons University where he played football under All-American head coach Sammy Baugh and ran track.  He then transferred to Tarleton State Junior College prior to enrolling at The University of Texas where he received his Bachelor of Arts.  Following in his father’s footsteps, David became an attorney, continuing his education at the University of Texas where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence in May of 1963. He was honored by Baylor University in 1988 as an Alumni by Choice.  

David proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965, where he earned the rank of First Lieutenant.  He then continued to serve in the Army Reserve for two years until his honorable discharge. 

In 1965, David moved to Mineral Wells, Texas to practice law with Senator Tom Creighton, establishing the law firm of Creighton and Cleveland.   David was a member of the Palo Pinto County Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, a Fellow of the State Bar Association of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation, the University of Texas Ex Students Association.  As a defense attorney, he had several notable trials published in detective magazines throughout the years.  In 1983, David proudly ran a successful campaign to become the District Judge of the 29th Judicial District Court where he served for 16 years.   After his retirement, Judge Cleveland continued to serve in courts in counties including Denton, Erath, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Stevens, Tarrant and Wichita.  David left an indelible mark on the legal landscape throughout his years of service.

It was in Mineral Wells that David met Frances Adkins whom he wed on November 25, 1967 in the First Baptist Church. They cherished 56 wonderful years of marriage and have two daughters, Ellen and Kelly.  David enjoyed snow-skiing, water-skiing and traveling. He and Frances traveled internationally and enjoyed both cruising and land excursions.  David and Frances were avid walkers, walking as many as five miles a day.  They enjoyed visiting with friends along the way.

David’s faith in God sustained him throughout his life.  Having been raised by Christian parents, he and twin his brother Don were baptized in the First Baptist Church of Stephenville on July 7, 1947, when they were nine years old.  He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells for over 59 years.  He was a Deacon, served as Chairman of the Deacons, was on numerous committees and was a longtime member of the Businessmen’s Bible Class (Kiplinger Class). 

David’s community service included membership in the Lion’s Club where he served as President, Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee at Fort Wolters, United Way, Mineral Wells Masonic Lodge and Fort Worth Shrine Club. 

Although he had many accomplishments, David’s favorite was that of being “Grandad” to his six grandchildren. He enjoyed reading with them, playing with them, attending their extracurricular events, family vacations, school functions, overnight visits and any other shenanigans they could rope him in to doing.

David is survived by his wife, Frances; daughters, Ellen Williams (Rusty) of Fort Worth and Kelly Stevens (Brooks) of Aledo; grandchildren Grant, Sam and Millie Williams, Bryce, Cade, and Carleigh Stevens. David is also survived by his twin brother, Don Cleveland (Carol) of Granbury; sister Judy Owens (Don) of Belton; cousin Jim Stewart (Colleen) of Grapevine; sister-in-law Judy Edwards of Shreveport and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Eleanor (who passed away shortly after childbirth) and parents Sam and Ivy Lou, as well as his brother Phillip and brother-in-law Bruce. David will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, service, kindness and integrity will continue to inspire us all.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful people at Americare, Enhabit Home Health, Mineral Wells Nursing and Rehab., Palo Pinto General Hospital and Solaris Hospice for their care. The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement.  May God bless and keep you.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Mineral Wells; Scottish Right Hospital of Dallas; or a charity of your choice.