David Ray Synatzske, 74, of Boerne, Texas, passed away Oct. 16, 2024. His family received guests for visitation on Oct. 25 at First Baptist Church Boerne, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service. A reception was held immediately following.

He was laid to rest at Hope Lutheran Memorial Park in Buckholts, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

David was born Dec. 2, 1949, in Temple, Texas, to Clement Synatzske and Billye Sell. David graduated from Rogers High School in 1968 and soon met the love of his life, Cheryl Heitman. They were united in marriage on May 22, 1971, in Cameron, Texas. The couple resided in College Station while he earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife fisheries science at Texas A&M University as part of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘72. Together, they raised three children, Stacey, Brian and Kimberly.

David had a distinguished 39-year career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, retiring in 2012. In 1982, he relocated his family to Cotulla after being promoted to area manager of the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area.

As a father, he recognized the vital role of youth in the future of natural resources and organized numerous events specifically for young people during his time at The Chap, including youth shooting sports and his involvement with Brigades.

His impactful work in research, development of exceptional outreach programs and implementation of conservation principles earned him the title of Outstanding Professional of the Year from the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Additionally, David actively participated with the Texas Wildlife Association, serving as a director and on the executive committee, having been honored as TWA Honorary Director Emeritus, further solidifying his legacy in wildlife conservation.

In Cotulla, David was a dedicated volunteer with the La Salle County Fair Association, initially becoming involved when his children showed through the years, and later serving on its board.

In 2018, his efforts were memorialized as Wild Hog Cook-Off namesake. He also volunteered with the Royal Ambassador summer camp shooting sports where he was known for integrating scripture with his testimony to young men.

A lifelong hunting enthusiast, he shared his passion with his children and later several grandchildren. He traveled extensively to support their various academic and athletic endeavors. Saturdays were spent yelling for his beloved Aggies, particularly during baseball and football seasons.

David is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Boerne; two daughters, Stacey and her husband, Gary Kanak, of New Braunfels, Texas, and Kimberly and her husband, Travis Hanebrink, of Paducah, Kentucky; one son, Brian and his wife, Cara Synatzske of Celina, Texas; six grandchildren, Logan Kanak, Berkley and Brodie Synatzske, Joseph and Daniel Hanebrink, and Britton Synatzske; his aunt, Elaine Sell; one sister, Linda Kunz; one brother and sister-in law, Jerry and Carol Heitman; two nieces, Jennifer Rodriguez and Abbye Kunz; along with several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Billye and Clement Synatzske; an uncle, Ray Sell; a nephew, Jason Heitman; a niece, Kristin McKittrick; and a son-in-law Justin Lynch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Boerne’s Legacy Fund or to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Youth Shooting Events at www.texas-wildlife.org/ ways-to-give-twaf (select TPWD Youth Shooting as the restriction). Donations by check may be mailed to: TWA Foundation, 6644 FM 1102, New Braunfels, TX 78132 (Please notate “TPWD Youth Shooting Events” in the memo).

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the staff of Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. To share words of comfort with the family, visit www. holtfh.com.