David Lawrence Ruhlin

David Lawrence Ruhlin, 69 of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away September 28, 2023. David was born November 21, 1953, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to William and Joan Ruhlin. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Melissa Marie Ruhlin; nephews, Rob Ruhlin, Michael Decker and Matthew Decker. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of 39 years; daughter, Alicia J. Gaither (Matt); grandson, Aaron Menchaca Jr.; step grandsons, Matthew Gaither Jr., Darrian Gaither, and Alexander Gaither; siblings, Kathy Brennan (the late Bob), Kiki Decker, Bruce Ruhlin (Judy), Beth Anne Hartzell (Tony), Kurt Ruhlin (Amy), Michele Kenion (Grant), Barbara Verrett (John), Joe Ruhlin (Brooke), Eric Ruhlin (Dhenu); nieces and nephews, Mary Brennan, Emily Brennan, Kerry Konczak, Brian Decker, Chris Decker, Stephen Decker, Theresa Decker, Mike Ruhlin, Allison Cline, Jake Hartzell, Claire Ruhlin, Matt Ruhlin, Gus Kenion, Bridget Kenion, Helen Kenion, William Verrett, Kelly Van Hoof, Colleen Verrett, Sam Ruhlin, Rachel Ruhlin, Kathleen Ruhlin, Patrick Ruhlin, Jiya Ruhlin, and all their spouses and significant others and 12 grand-nieces and nephews. David grew up in Baton Rouge and Houston. He graduated from Westchester High School in 1971. He went on to earn a degree in petroleum technology from Nicholls State University in Louisiana. He spent many years working in the oil industry, much of that involving offshore drilling where he started as a roughneck and worked his way to rig manager. Upon retirement he continued in this field as an Offshore Installation Manager safety instructor. He proudly spent time working as a member of the Houston Astros organization. His most treasured occupation was what David described as “Happily Retired HD&G” (Husband, Dad and Grandpa). His extensive career in the oil industry enabled David to live in and travel to many places around the world, including the North Sea, Kuwait, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Asia, and Venezuela. It also afforded him a wide range of experiences from working in the frigid waters of the North Sea to working in Kuwait as part of a team that extinguished oil well fires as a result of Operation Desert Storm. David enjoyed the outdoors. One of his many hobbies was scuba diving where he was certified as a master diver, diving in many exotic locations around the world. He loved living in Corpus Christi, where he would hop into his boat for an offshore fishing trip at the drop of a hat. He was especially proud of his secret fishing hole where he was guaranteed to limit out every time. As far as is known, that location will now remain a secret. David volunteered with the Padre Island National Seashore Kemp’s Ridley Turtle Rescue. He especially loved hopping on his Harley and heading out for an exciting ride through the backroads of Texas and the US. David had a love of mid-sixties to mid-eighties rock and would go to a concert any chance he got. In particular he and Evelyn recently discovered their love for the Rock Legends Cruises, where he rubbed elbows with the likes of Roger Daltry, The Marshall Tucker Band, and others. Gardening was another hobby David enjoyed, and he was especially proud of the time he won Yard of the Month. He enjoyed words and was an eloquent writer. He was often heard using phases such as, “Fer corn flakes!“ “Dang blast it!” and “double dickens”. He loved his daily Wordle and shared them with his sisters regularly. David led a full life, but his favorite pastime of all was spending time with Evelyn, Alicia, and Aaron. David was kind, compassionate, and loving, often wearing his heart on his sleeve. He will be dearly missed but will live on in the cherished memories of those fortunate enough to have known him. A Funeral Service honoring David’s life will be held Wednesday October 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Dettling Funeral Home 14094 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079. Immediately following services David will be laid to rest at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

David Lawrence Ruhlin

November 21, 1953 - September 28, 2023