David Glenn Fenton, 65, of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 surrounded by family who loved him.

Dave was born on August 31, 1960 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Polly Gadburry and Marvin Fenton Sr. He grew up as a military child, traveling the world at a young age. Adventure was in him from the beginning. He jumped out of airplanes as a child while living in Japan, and later, after his family settled in Austin, Texas, he took up bull riding. He was proud to graduate from Del Valle High School in 1979.

From his mother, Polly, Dave inherited a lifelong love for Oklahoma Sooners football. He never missed a chance to stir up a little fun over the OU and UT rivalry, especially with family.

Dave proudly served his country in both the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in the Army in 1978 and later joined the Marine Corps in 1982. In both branches, he served as a Military Police Officer and earned multiple awards for his service. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1986.

After his military service, Dave settled in Austin Texas, and became, not just a proud Okie, but a proud Texan as well. He worked diligently to become accomplished in the Protective Services and Environmental Services industries, and achieved many career milestones through hard work and determination.

Dave loved country music, Daffy Duck, John Wayne, Budweiser, cigars, and most of all, his kids. What’s more, Dave was a real downhome country chef, famous for Beer Can Chicken, true southern BBQ, and his amazing spice blends. He lived by the words, “Honorable death rather than a shameful life,” and tried to let that show in the way he lived each day.

More than anything, Dave loved his family. He was deeply proud of his children and all they accomplished, and nothing lit him up more than his grandkids. He believed in doing more than what was asked of you, and he carried that into the way he cared for others. He became a father figure to many and was proud to have made a difference in so many lives. Though he may have come across as a stubborn, cranky old marine, the people who knew him best knew his heart was big, warm, and generous.

Dave is survived by his children, David Glenn Fenton Jr. and wife Brandy Gonzales, Lisa Marie Escobedo and husband Adam Escobedo, and Sharron Lyn Bailey and husband William Bailey; his grandchildren, Elijah Fenton, Camila Fenton, Aziah Trevino, Alexavier Escobedo, Alyssa Escobedo, and Alanna Bailey; as well as his siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

His memory and legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Services for David G. Fenton Sr. will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2:45 pm. Committal Shelter #5. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation