David Gelfer

May 28, 1934 - February 15, 2016

David August Gelfer passed away, surrounded by his family, on February 15, 2016 after a brief illness. He was 81 years old. Dave was laid to rest on February 18, 2016, at the Temple Emanuel Cemetery in McAllen, Texas. He will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, friendship, community service, humor and accomplishments. Dave was born to Manuel and Frieda Gelfer on May 28, 1934 in St. Louis, MO, and lived there until he was 12 when the family moved to McAllen, Texas in 1947. The Gelfer family leased space in The Advance Shop and sold ladies’ shoes. He attended The University of Texas at Austin, and he graduated from Texas A&I with a business degree. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years and the National Guard for ten years. He finished his military service with the rank of Major. Dave married the love of his life, Jayme Seward, and together they raised a family in Brownsville. They jointly created the successful Brownsville retail store, Country Casuals, and other real estate developments. He was well respected in the business community for his integrity, honest communication and shrewd business acumen. He served on multiple boards including, but not limited to, the Valley Baptist Hospital, Texas Southmost College, The Public Utilities Board, Brownsville Rio Grande Railroad Board and Mercantile Bank. He was passionate about life, and enjoyed every day to its fullest. Dave traveled the world exploring, hunting and fishing with Jayme, their daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren and friends. He loved to spend time with his friends, especially his “brother” Marvin Conner. The sign on his office door says “Friends welcome. Family by appointment.” Dave was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Bobby. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jayme, and their three daughters, Robin (Mike Pierce of Brownsville, TX), Suzy (Tim Beck of Tyler, TX) and Diann (Larry Gordon of New Albany, OH). He is also survived by five grandchildren who adored their PopO: Nathan Pierce (Vanessa Pierce), Marin Pierce, Sarah Beck, Matthew Gordon and Julia Gordon. The family suggests memorial donations be made in Dave’s name to Temple Beth El’s Education Fund, 24 Coveway, Brownsville, Texas 78521. He will be incredibly missed. For those who were fortunate enough to have known him, please always remember him for how special, sweet and kind he was