• David Carroll Prause 

• September 10, 1933 ~ July 9, 2026

• David Carroll Prause was born at home in Bosque County, Texas, on September 10, 1933, to J.L. "Dutch" Prause and Vera Earl Bryant Prause. The seventh of nine children, he grew up working in the fields and helping raise the family's livestock, developing the work ethic and character that would define his life.

• He attended China Spring schools before graduating from Waco Tech (now University High School) in 1953. Just before graduation, David was drafted into the United States Army and served honorably from 1953 to 1955.

• On August 16, 1958, David married the love of his life, Barbara Jean "Jean" Plasek. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, welcoming two children: Frances Renee Prause, born December 16, 1960, and David Charles Prause, born October 29, 1963.

• Following his honorable discharge from the Army, David worked at General Tire while continuing to farm and ranch during his off hours. After ten years at General Tire, he made the decision to devote himself full-time to ranching and farming. He raised cattle, produced hay and oat crops, and provided custom farming services for neighbors throughout the community. David dedicated his time and leadership to organizations that supported agriculture and his community.

• He served on the governing boards of the Double Circle Agriculture Cooperative and Cross Country Water Supply. He was a proud member of the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Independent Cattlemen's Association, the Texas Antique Tractor Show, and the National Rifle Association.

• David will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, remarkable work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need. He treasured loyal friendships, a job done right, a gentle soaking rain on a young crop, and, above all, his family.

• He passed along countless lessons to his children and grandchildren, including:

• • Your word and a handshake are your bond. Don't break them. Keep your promises.

• • "Grease makes the world go around"—usually while explaining exactly how many pumps of the grease gun a fitting needed.

• • Colorful (and mostly unrepeatable) names for broken farm equipment—and, more importantly, how to fix it. • If you're going to do a job, do it right the first time.

• • Always tell the truth so you never have to remember what you said before.

• • Never stop being curious. Ask questions. Learn something new every day.

• • You can fix almost anything with baling wire, duct tape, and a little ingenuity.

• David found joy in dancing polkas and waltzes with his wife Jean, sitting beneath the big oak tree in his backyard with his faithful canine companions, Skipper and Cocoa, bouncing new baby calves, mentoring younger farmers and ranchers, visiting with friends and family, and enjoying a freshly picked, salted tomato eaten right there in the garden where it was grown. He even carried a little saltshaker in his pocket just for the occasion.

• David passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while in hospice care at Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home. He is preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Gilbert Prause, Mavis Reible, Naida Yarbrough, Danny Prause, Sammy Prause, Alvena Pocock, and James Prause; and granddaughter, Jeanie Marie Rose.

• David is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jean Prause; daughter, Frances Rose and husband, Mark; son, Charles Prause and wife, Robin; and his sister, Gloria Helleson. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Leslie Kennedy and husband, Jeremiah; Hannah Rose; Amy Prause and partner, Steph; and Abby Bradbury and husband, Dillon. In addition, he is survived by three great-grandchildren, Anna Kennedy, Rylee Jo Bradbury, and Reid Bradbury, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

• Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 10 AM- 11Am, followed by the funeral service at China Spring First United Methodist Church, China Spring, TX.   Interment will be   1:30 PM at Wortham Bend Cemetery with full military honors. 

• Memorials may be made to China Spring United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.

• The family wishes to extend love and deep appreciation to the wonderful, caring staff of Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home who treated David like family as well as the staff of Providence Hospice.

Please join us in remembering David by signing our guestbook at

www.fossfuneralhome.com