Kenneth David Cleveland Sr.

Kenneth David Cleveland Sr., known affectionately as David (or “Davy Baby,” if you ask Aunt Lisa) was born on January 13, 1964, in Abilene, Texas. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on January 27, 2026, and entered into eternal rest.

David spent his early childhood in Abilene before moving with his first and greatest love, his mother Linda Jo, and his sister Deana Gay to the Haltom City area. It was there that he built lifelong friendships, deep roots, and a life full of stories. A proud graduate of Haltom High School, David was known for his easy laugh, loyal heart, and the way he made people feel welcome simply by being himself.

David was a man of faith and was baptized at Irving Baptist Fellowship in 2017. While his faith was personal and quiet, it guided the way he loved others, with patience, forgiveness, and a steady devotion to family.

David deeply valued his role in both his family and his community. He generously volunteered his time coaching youth sports for many years with the Haltom City Pee-Wee Football Association and the North-East Optimist Baseball Association. Through coaching and volunteering, David shared his love of sports, teamwork, and encouragement with countless young athletes, including his own children.

A die-hard sports fan, David’s loyalty belonged first and foremost to the Dallas Cowboys. Sundays were sacred, and whether they won or lost, his devotion never wavered. He also had a deep love for live music, finding joy and connection in concerts and the stories told through song.

When he wasn’t cheering on his teams or enjoying a show, David was happiest on his boat with a fishing line in the water. Fishing was his refuge, a place of peace, patience, and the ever-elusive BIG bass, where he felt closest to God’s creation and most at ease.

David’s working life reflected both his strong work ethic. While his first job was working for Holland Lime with his PePaw and Uncle James, he ultimately found his passion in woodworking and construction. He began his career at Ron’s Cabinet Shop in Haltom City, where he honed his skills, before taking the bold step of starting his own business. David went on to found Cleveland & Sons Interior; a commercial construction company focused primarily on hotel construction. He took great pride in his craftsmanship and in building something lasting for his family.

David is survived by his children: Amanda Spence and her husband Peter; Kenneth David Cleveland Jr. (Kent); Brandon Cleveland; Jordan Cleveland and his wife Morgan; Tanner Cleveland and his wife Haven; Kaitlinda Cleveland and Bobby Cunningham; and Skyler Cleveland. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Brooklyn Cleveland, Caleb Wallace, Kenneth David Cleveland III (Trey), Quinn Spence, Leighton Rae Cleveland, Emory Cleveland, Lexi Cleveland, Taylor Cleveland, and Tracen Cleveland, each of whom held a special place in his heart and brought him immeasurable joy.

He is also survived by Lisa Cleveland and Patricia Harrington, the mothers of his children, with whom he shared the gift of family and parenthood.

David also leaves behind a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.

David is reunited in Heaven with those who went before him: his beloved mother Linda Jo Goodman, his sister Deana Gay Cleveland, his father Kenneth Ray Cleveland, his stepfather Bobby Goodman, and his grandparents Robert L. and Mary “Babe” Cornutt Thomas. We take comfort in knowing that David and Linda Jo, whose bond shaped so much of who he was, are together again, whole and at peace.

David will be remembered for his loyalty, his kindness, his steady presence, and the depth of his love. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the smiles of each of his grandbabies.