David Daniel Burlingame, Sr.

David Daniel Burlingame Sr., 64, of Los Fresnos, Texas, passed away on December 12, 2025. Born on October 1, 1961, in Raymondville, Texas, David was raised in Los Fresnos, where he attended school, raised his family, built his livelihood, and remained a proud lifelong resident.

David was preceded in death by his father, George William Burlingame, who passed away when David was 12 years old; his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 25 years, Sylvia Garcia Burlingame, the mother of his five children, who passed away in 2004; and his daughter, Veronica “Ronnie” Burlingame, who passed away in 2014.

David and Sylvia shared a deep and enduring love that began in their youth and shaped the foundation of their family. Their life together was marked by devotion, partnership, and pride in the warm, loving home and children they built together, a bond that remained central to David’s heart throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving mother Beatriz Burlingame, children: David Daniel Burlingame, Jr. (Jackie), William Lee Burlingame (Aimee), Jeanette Shirin Burlingame Garza (Stevland), and Jennifer Kay Burlingame Valladares (Sean). He is also survived by his devoted companion, Martha Macias, whose loving care, companionship, and presence brought comfort and joy to his later years.

David was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren, Cierra (Brady) Jones, Cristian (Miranda) Peña, Sylvia and David Burlingame III, Bryn Burlingame, Said, Oliver, and Birdie Garza, and Sean Jr., Saint, and Sebastian Valladares. He was also a great-grandfather to Cody and Presley Jones. Nothing brought David more joy than his grandchildren; he often said he could hardly sleep in anticipation of their visits.

David is also survived by his siblings, Carmen Espinosa; Raul Plata (Rhonda); and Sonia Morris (Brad).

From a young age, David was known for his athleticism, participating in baseball, football, and track during his school years in Los Fresnos. Over the course of his working life, he wore many hats. He was a bus driver for Greyhound, oversaw residential construction for Burlingame Construction, worked as a guide and operator for Rancho Mescalero and other hunting lodges in Mexico, and developed lasting relationships throughout the hospitality and tourism industries.

Above all, David was especially proud of the small business he built, Burlingame Bro-Mat Tours, where he offered historical tours of Brownsville and Matamoros. Through his tours, he introduced countless visitors to cathedrals, underground tunnels, historic districts, and lesser-known gems, weaving in his deep knowledge of Mexican and Texas history. His passion for storytelling and local history earned the business consistent five-star reviews and the respect of both visitors and locals alike.

David was a master storyteller, captivating everyone around him with his impeccable comedic timing, expressive delivery, and rare ability to command attention. Whether recounting his travels, local lore, or family stories, he had a gift for turning moments into memories. Known throughout town, David left an impression wherever he went.

He loved fishing with his sons and brothers-in-law, spending time outdoors, and learning everything he could about Mexican and Texas history. His back porch was his sanctuary, a place where he could be found every evening reflecting, visiting, and enjoying the simple rhythm of life. He took great pride in his work, his home, and in finding creative, hands-on solutions to problems, always tinkering and improving what was around him.

David also loved the thrill of a good deal, not just for the savings, but for the satisfaction and excitement that came with finding it, a small joy he delighted in sharing with others.

Despite enduring profound personal losses throughout his life, David remained deeply devoted to his family. His legacy lives on through the stories he told, the business he built, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

David was also an organ donor, a final act of generosity that reflects the selflessness with which he lived and the pride his family holds in his decision to give others the gift of life.

A visitation will be on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer of the holy rosary at 6:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Los Fresnos. Interment will follow at Los Cuates Cemetery in Los Fresnos.

Pallbearers will be Danny Burlingame Jr., Will Burlingame, Cristian Peña, Ramiro Garcia, Rick Garcia, Felix Macias, Raul Plata, and Modesto Espinosa.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Los Fresnos Funeral Home located at 1005 S. Arroyo Blvd., Los Fresnos, Texas.