David John Mangelsdorf's Obituary
In Loving Memory of David John Mangelsdorf
July 22, 1958 – August 3, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David John Mangelsdorf, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, scientist, and friend, who left us too soon on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 67.
David is survived by his wife, Dr. Katrina (Voe) Cotton; his daughters, Laura, Sara, and Alyssa Mangelsdorf; and his two adored grandsons, James and Henry. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Peter, Timothy, and Rebecca Mangelsdorf and his magnificent German shepherds (who he emphatically did not want, but ultimately loved with his whole heart!), Rubio and Goose.
David’s professional and scientific career was nothing short of extraordinary. He earned dual BS degrees from Northern Arizona University in 1981 and his PhD from Arizona University in 1987. His earliest scientific contribution came from Dr. Mark Haussler’s laboratory at the University of Arizona where he successfully cloned the Vitamin D receptor. Later, at the Salk Institute with Dr. Ronald Evans, he discovered the retinoid X receptor (RXR), a novel nuclear hormone receptor vital to numerous metabolic pathways.
Since 1993, David's generous funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute afforded him remarkable freedom to pursue high-risk projects, unlike those reliant on conventional federal grants. This continued support allowed him to investigate a group of receptor-like proteins whose hormones had not yet been identified, the so-called “orphan” or “-X-receptors.”
Over the years, David developed a paradigm, now widely adopted, to identify hormones and drugs targeting these crucial receptors. This innovative strategy for uncovering both their physiologic functions and disease associations laid the essential groundwork for developing numerous pharmaceuticals to treat a wide range of conditions — from pancreatitis to parasitic infections.
In 2002, David merged his laboratory at UTSW with his longtime friend, collaborator (and occasional competitor!), Dr. Steven Kliewer. Together they continued to make landmark discoveries in nuclear receptor biology, profoundly advancing our understanding of metabolism and paving the way for far-reaching new treatments. His extensive scientific contributions were recognized with his election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2008 and the National Academy of Medicine in 2024. This rare and esteemed combination places him on a very short list of scientists honored with membership to both academies.
Beyond his remarkable achievements in the lab, David's deep faith was a cornerstone of his life. A dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church, he allowed his spirituality to shape his actions and service. He was often invited to speak on the reconciliation of spiritual convictions and empirical evidence, demonstrating his deep understanding of the complex, non-oppositional relationship between personal faith and scientific inquiry.
David’s remarkable wit, sharp intellect, boundless creativity, and infectious joy permeated every aspect of his life, extending far beyond his scientific endeavors. He consistently achieved awe-inspiring "genius" streaks in the NYT Spelling Bee and Wordle. His garden, a vibrant sanctuary bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, eggplant, pumpkins, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, figs, and more, was cultivated with the same meticulous care and precision he applied to his impeccable research. Furthermore, we cannot discuss David’s incredible life without paying respect to his incredible homemade pies. If you have been fortunate enough to have tasted one of David’s pies, you have indeed experienced something truly special. These pies, lovingly crafted with the secret Mangelsdorf-family pastry recipe, surpassed any professional bakery's offerings and became legendary among his family and community.
Known affectionately as “Davo Mango,” David seamlessly blended brilliance with quirk in perfect harmony. He possessed an unmatched ability to organize the impossible, notice and remember the smallest details, and make everyone who knew him feel welcome, seen, and loved. Ask anyone who knew him, and they will undoubtedly have a fond story to share, filled with laughter, wonder, or pie.
David will be remembered not only as a world-renowned scientist but also as the most extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His family will continue to honor his legacy with love and by doing their best to recreate his famous pies using the meticulous notes he left behind.
We miss him dearly. His light, his love, and his legacy will remain with us always.
We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from the community, locally and worldwide. If you want to show your support further, in lieu of flowers and other gifts, we've listed two causes below that are dear to David.
Chelsea's Hope Foundation
Lafora Children Research Fund
[https://givebutter.com/chelseas-hope]
Zion Lutheran Church
Mangelsdorf Family Foundation
[https://ziondallas.churchcenter.com/giving/to/mangelsdorf-fund]
What’s your fondest memory of David?
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Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
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