David William Halata Sr., 58, of Moravia passed away on August 5, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 27, 1953 in Houston, Texas. David was one of eight children born to Bernard and Dorothy Halata of Houston. David graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Houston, Texas in May, 1971. He married Diane Dornak of Houston, Texas on October 1, 1977 and the two made their home in Moravia, Texas.

David was a member of Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Moravia, Texas where he was a member of the KJT. He also served on the Knights of Columbus council #2433 where he held many offices including Grand Knight and District Deputy. David joined the Fourth Degree Knights with all of his brothers in 1987. David played a vital part in organizing the Knights of Columbus Softball Teams that still compete at the State Tournament in Austin, Texas. He, himself, was part of three State Championship teams. He was active with the Hallettsville Little League from 1988-2005. One of his favorite memories was helping coach his son David Jr. in the Little League State Tournament in 1991. David also served on the Sacred Heart Catholic School Advisory Council and was a member of the Sacred Heart Booster Club. Through all of David's endeavors, he always had his family, especially his wife Diane, by his side. Diane was a rock for David, not only during the busiest times of his life, but when his treatments took their toll, and his pain became too much to bare she became his strength and comfort.

David and Diane were blessed with four children; David Jr. and wife Christina, Dale and wife Miranda, Deann and husband Chris and Daniel who will start college in the fall. Life got even better when God blessed him with several grandchildren that quickly became the apples of his eye – Grace, Alaina, Kendall, Caitlynn, William, and Adam.

David's greatest joys in life were watching his four children compete in sports where he was their biggest fan. He would always make them out to be the star players. He may have never coached his daughter, Deann, but he learned to love the game of tennis as she did. Between all of his jobs and volunteer time he never missed any one of his children's games, no matter where the destination. He was so dedicated to his family that even during his treatments he still managed to go to all of his youngest son, Daniel's, games no matter how difficult it was for him. He enjoyed spending time with his children whether it was camping or fishing, which are some of his son, Dale's, favorite hobbies also. David also enjoyed spinning Diane around the dance floor. He truly loved his family and his family loved him. The proof was in his hospital room where numerous family members surrounded his bed as the good Lord wrapped his arms around him and carried him home.

David is survived by his wife, Diane Halata; mother, Dorothy Halata; children: David Halata, Jr. & wife, Christina; Dale Halata & wife, Miranda; Deann Rodgers & husband, Chris; and Daniel Halata; 4 brothers: Michael Halata & wife, Linda; Richard Halata & wife, Celeste; Thomas Halata, Sr. ; & Mark Halata & wife, Cathy; 3 sisters: Mary Wiseman & husband, Walt; Regina Rayner & husband, Dudley; & Theresa Berger & husband, Bruce; and 6 grandchildren, Grace Halata, Alaina Halata, Kendall Rodgers, Caitlynn Halata, William Halata, & Adam Halata.

David was preceded in death by his father: Bernand Halata and Tom & Annie Dornak.

Funeral Mass Service: 3 pm, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 3 pm, Monday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Monday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Jeff Dornak, Steven Dornak, Gary Laitkep, Tommy Halata Jr., Brian Halata, Mark Gardner Jr., Robert Howell, and Seth Dornak. Memorials (In Lieu of Flowers): Sacred Heart Catholic School and Day Care, Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, or American Cancer Society. Burial: Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery, Moravia, Texas.

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