Published: September 23, 2008 11:54 am      

Billy Wayne David

Billy Wayne David, 57, of Columbus and Huntsville, passed away at Methodist Hospital in Houston on Sept. 18, 2008.

Billy was born June 1, 1951, in Columbus to Frank William and Hertha David. He was an avid fisherman and golfer. His happiest times were when he was fishing for salmon in Canada or on the golf course with his friends. His favorite place to fish around Columbus was on Fayetteville Lake.

He was on the lake the first day it opened and spent many years charting and studying the layout of the lake. If he took you fishing he'd tell you not to be telling people his spots “seriously.”

Billy also loved to cook and bake. He owned the City Café in Columbus where he made the most delicious meals and rolls. The café had a great family atmosphere where locals gathered to drink coffee and share there knowledge with each other. Many of his friends came to eat and visit with him while he worked. He often put them to work when he was busy.

Many family members worked at the café throughout the years and added to the success of the business. One notable family member that Billy cared for and looked up to was Raymond Keyser who was a father figure to Billy and they did many things together.

In 2002, he developed lymphoma and closed the café. It is stilled missed to this day by the community. After beating lymphoma, he moved to Huntsville and opened Momma’s Kitchen Door, a bakery. He made kolaches, rolls and breakfast sandwiches.

It was not long after opening that the community and many students of Sam Houston became hooked on his baked goods. His bakery was voted by readers of The Huntsville Item as the 2008 Reader’s Choice best Bakery. Billy made many friends in Huntsville and loved his work there.

Billy is survived by, brothers and sister-in-law, Frank David, of Columbus, Texas, Johnnie David and wife, Lois, of Weimar, Texas; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy Keyser and husband, Raymond, of Columbus, Texas, Imogene Kansteiner and husband, L.E., of Columbus, Texas, Helen Jurries and husband, Royce, of Columbus, Texas, Margie Knippel and husband, Erwin, of Columbus, Mary Jane Schobel of Roanoke, Texas, Diane Shofner of Round Rock, Texas; special friend, Betty Vail of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of great friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hertha David; infant sister, Fay Marie David; brother-in-law, Michael Shofner.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 27, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at the Veterans Hall in Columbus to celebrate Billy’s life. Dress will be casual.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hertha David Scholarship Fund C/O Columbus State Bank, P.O. Box 249, Columbus, Texas 78934.

Eagle Lake Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and can be reached at (979) 234-2011.