David Jaurequi, 70, earned his angel wings and was greeted by Big Jes on July 15, 2020. David was born on April 30, 1950 in Tulare, Calif., to Juan and Jennie Jaurequi. He moved with his family to Santa Maria in 1961.

David attended school at Robert Bruce, El Camino Jr. High, Santa Maria High, and Allan Hancock College, where he earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology.

David proudly serviced in the U.S. Army from 1975-78. His proudest moment was when he was pinned with his Airborne Wings, becoming an airborne paratrooper. David was stationed in South Korea, and Fort Bragg, N.C., home of the 82nd Airborne Division.

After serving his country proudly, David returned to Santa Maria where he worked for various local dealerships as an automotive technician, eventually retiring from the U.S. Postal Service after 26 years of service in January 2013.

David loved God and was a faithful parishioner of St. John Newman Church. He loved his family and treated friends like family. He really enjoyed barbecuing for them as well as teaching automotive skills to anyone willing to learn. David took great privilege in coaching his son and grandchildren for West Side Little League.

David enjoyed spoiling his family with amazing family vacations. One of them a month-long road trip across the country and back, stopping at every National Park.

David was larger than life with a big heart to match. He was member of the Boots-N-Chutes Airborne Association, Lompoc; and San Joaquin Valley Chapter Airborne Division Assocation.

David is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Martha Jaurequi; his daughters Cynthia (Willard) Bolen of Covingtion, VA, and Ann-Murie (Jason) Torrez of Santa Maria; and his son David (Kim) Jaurequi of Lompoc.

He is also survived by his grandchildren David III and Miranda Jaurequi, Jason II (Selena), Lauren and Roman Torrez, Eliza and Willard Bolen II; great-grandchildren Elyana and Jason Torrez III and David Jaurequi IV; brothers Felix Jaurequi of Minnesota, Virgil (Theresa) Jaurequi of Riverside, Calif., and Maurita Jaurequi of Santa Maria; as well a numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

David also leaves behind his loyal pets Walker (Kitty Gato) and Doris (Maggie).

David is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Jennie Jaurequi and sister Dolores A. Jaurequi.

Services were held Aug. 3 with interment at Santa Maria Cemetery.

To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com.