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David "Crazy Dave" Cuellar
A brilliant and complicated man found peace after a knockdown, drag out fight with cancer on July 10th, 2022, surrounded by family.
Dave was born October 6th, 1942, to Benjamin and Edith. He was raised in several homes throughout his childhood. Directly upon his graduation from College High School in Oklahoma he joined the Army. Upon his deployment he visited Germany. He married the love of his life on April 24, 1965 and had a love that lasted 57 years. They raised two sons and one daughter: Michael, Michelle, and Shane.
Dave had a torrid love affair with life. His beginnings were humble and lacked in love and compassion. His home life may have been less than just, but his younger brothers looked at him like he was Icarus flying ever closer to the sun. To them he was the bees’ knees older brother that made the world turn any time they were able to see him. That is a sentiment that would become a family trait as time would trickle by.
His stint in the military was a part of his life that he would eventually keep as a closely guarded part of himself. He was always keen of mentioning how his country had failed him, however he never cared to elaborate on any of his service or any further into that statement. We will honor that by ending with that.
His marriage began in a shop where he spent $200 on shirts that Maxine had to measure him for. She was so embarrassed to put her arms around a strange man. On her way to her break, she spotted him, and he mentioned wanting coffee, but only having 9 remaining cents. She bought him that cup of coffee that changed their lives. 57 years later they had danced and held hands until the very end. Trial and misfortune crossed their paths more times than one can count but he “always cares”. He always found his way back and took care of his family. He always worshipped his beautiful bride. His biggest fear in life was losing Maxine in any capacity. His “good old girl” was everything to him.
Dave always had a witty comment for any situation. His laugh was infectious and brought joy to everyone around him. Dave will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was a loving and protective father. With immense courage he carried on his family name, giving it more than it ever gave him.
Michael: Dave fought the mandatory reenlistment for Vietnam when he knew his oldest son Michael was going to be coming into this world. He was a man that held his family close to his heart and always tried to make the best out of every situation. Sharing in moments of stillness and nature. Dave truly treasured his time with his first born. Canoeing out to an island for an all-day excursion and only returning by starlight. He instilled in him a love for life and an adventurous spirit. He passed his tendency to love animals better than humans to his first-born son.
Michelle: He would take his daughter to the bar with him in her nightgown and buy her kiddie cocktails just to spend some one-on-one time with her and to show off his little girl that he was so proud of (it was the 70s, it was totally copacetic). She never knew an age in her life where she didn’t feel like the most special daughter to have ever existed. He always found ways to connect with and support her. She still has the first bedroom set ever purchased for her, remembers climbing into the canopied bed that he put together for his little girl and knowing that she was a princess because of what he did for her. His ever-lingering support that grew with her ambitions and his love and respect that never wavered. He was always her biggest fan and to her, he hung the moon.
Shane: He “accidentally” (on purpose) got Maxine pregnant with Shane because he knew they would need that sunshine kid to balance out their family. Just being with him, going down the road, just going to the store, or back and forth to Michigan were the moments that counted the most between them. Camping and going to Cedar Point for exhilarating days of comradery. Watching him play pool like the shark he was and learning from him instilled a sense of fun. Sundays were for donuts from Krispy Kreme because routine can be enjoyable. The moments that linger the most with Shane are simply hugging his dad. When he first got home or was leaving. Dave taught Shane the value of honesty and hard work.
In his life outside of being a family man he was on an action-packed adventure of debauchery. From being a former gang member, to obtaining the moniker of “Crazy Dave” he never slowed down in his lust for wanton rebellion. He was motivated by his passions and his insatiable hunger for knowledge. Never slow in pulling a gun or a book, Dave was always someone to rely on. He was an avid reader that took nothing but the truth and logic in serious events. He was a zealot for a well written plot in any book, series, or movie. He knew every move that every football player made, specifically that old git Tom Brady. Watching the race was the most religious affair that happened in his home.
Dave was loved by more people than can be listed. He made a real impact in this world by being an intelligent, charismatic man that had no off days. He would give you the shirt off his back and then some. Dave was a man’s man with an old soul that never stopped growing. He was a father, brother, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and friend that will be dearly missed by all.
Dave is survived by his wife Maxine of 57 years, his children Michael, Michelle, Shane; Grandchildren, Matthew (Jen), Chris, Jessicca (Jason), and Courtney (Michael); Great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Raiden, Emerson, Ashton, and Essie. Also left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Anthony and James and special friend Donna Guzman.
Family will receive friends Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 12:00 pm - 1:00PM at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Chapel, service will begin at 1:00 pm. Military Honors provided by Morristown Honor Guard Post 5266. Burial to follow. Resthaven is honored to serve the Cuellar family.
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