David Benton Dibrell's Obituary
David Benton Dibrell, 33°, passed away in Dallas, Texas on June 30, 2018, at the age of 80 surrounded by his family. David was born May 26, 1938, in San Antonio, to Juanita (Pounds) and John Lee Dibrell, Jr. His father was a football coach who eventually settled the family in Big Spring, Texas, where David graduated from Big Spring High School and completed his education at the University of Texas at Austin. Hook ‘em!He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and loving wife of 60 years, Marlene, two daughters, Jo D. Dibrell of Dallas and Jill Nennmann of Minneapolis. He is also survived by his sister, Merry Lee Wilson of Chattanooga, his grandsons Steven Daniel (Victoria) Seybold of Austin and Joseph Benton Seybold of Seattle, several nieces and nephews, and was eagerly anticipating the birth of his first great-grandchild.Beloved and respected, he was the epitome of a selfless leader and as such he was elected to serve as Grand Master of approximately 130,000 Texas Masons in 2001. David was also Advisory Trustee for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas, Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Texas OES, leader of a plethora of genealogical and historical societies, and adult leader for DeMolay and with Marlene, for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls.As a self-professed “computer nerd” he had a successful career specializing in computers and insurance. Leadership started early for David. He served as Master Councilor of Big Spring DeMolay Chapter in 1956. He joined Richardson Masonic Lodge No. 1214 in 1971 and served as Master in 1979-1980. He also served as Master of Knox-Corinthian Lodge No. 851 and Eagle Lodge No. 41 and was a plural member of several Texas lodges. He was a Past Patron of Dal-Cliff Chapter #574 and Richardson Chapter #921, OES, and was subsequently elected to serve as Worthy Grand Patron of Texas, OES.An amateur historian and active genealogist, David was a Full Member and Past Master of the Texas Lodge of Research and was awarded the Carter Literary Excellence Award. David had traced his Masonic heritage to 1792.David’s membership and honors in Masonic-related organizations is too extensive to list completely. He was an active member and faithful leader in numerous Masonic appendant bodies including Scottish Rite, York Rite, Grotto, Shriners, and the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America, of which he had served as Chairman. Many admire his competent and congenial leadership style and dedication to the Masonic Fraternal Family.More than the awards and memberships, David was an exceptional mentor to men and women of all generations. He always encouraged others to aim high because they would achieve much even if they missed their mark. He affirmed what Solomon told us in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.”In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn, Dallas, Texas 75219, or the Texas Pot of Gold Foundation youth scholarship fund, PO Box 797625, Dallas, Texas 75379-7625.A visitation for David Benton Dibrell will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2018, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Restland Funeral Home Chapel. The Celebration of Life worship service for Mr. Dibrell will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Richardson located at 503 N. Central Expy, Richardson, Texas 75080. Interment to follow at Restland.Funeral arrangements for Mr. David Benton Dibrell have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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