David Michael Manger passed away May 15, 2026. He died at home surrounded by his family and loved ones after fighting a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He and his beloved wife Kellie shared 36 beautiful years together, a love and partnership that was the foundation of everything he held dear.

David was born in Monroe, Michigan but moved to Texas in the early 1980s. Growing up, he was a gifted all-around athlete with a deep love for sports that stayed with him throughout his life. Whether coaching his son's baseball team, cheering on his favorite sports teams, or sharing stories from his younger years, sports remained one of his greatest passions.

David dedicated most of his career working in the restaurant business, building a life centered around service, dedication, and providing for his family. He met his wife while working as a general manager at Bennigan's. He then went on to spend many long and dedicated years with the Black Eyed Pea restaurant, where he rose to the role of district manager. He later went on to serve as a district manager at Smashburger, where he ended his restaurant career.

After a long battle with Covid that almost took his life, he decided to change careers and become a school bus driver for the Magnolia Independent School District. Becoming a bus driver was his true calling. This role brought him immense joy and purpose. He deeply loved the children he drove each day, as they brought light and happiness into his life. Through this work, and through his many years in the restaurant business, he formed many meaningful and lifelong friendships with coworkers and families who supported him and stood by him during his battle with cancer.

David also leaves behind his twin brother who he loved so deeply, talked to almost every day, and who also supported him throughout his cancer battle.

David was known for his hardworking spirit and talent for handyman projects, always willing to fix, build, or help however he could. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, cooking meals for his family and his bus driver friends, gathering loved ones around the table, relaxing by the pool, and spending treasured time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Food, laughter, and family were at the center of who he was.

David is survived by his wife Kellie, daughters Reannin and Rebecca, son Brandon, and his nephew Cody, whom he welcomed into his home at an early age, raised as his own, and proudly called his son. He also had five beloved grandchildren, Braxton, Brynlee, Aria, Hudson, and Owen, who called him Pipi. David is also survived by his parents James and Boo Soon Manger, twin brother Don and his wife Maggie, and his sister Rhonda and husband Mike. He is preceded in death by his mother Karen Ryan.

David will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the memories he created, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to have know him. His family takes comfort in knowing his legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.