Damian Lee Avila

Damian Lee Avila, known affectionately as "Grumpy or "Conference D" to friends and family, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, in Temple, Texas. Damian was born on October 21, 1994, in Dallas County, Texas to parents, Greg and Tonya Avila. He was a beloved son, father, friend, and colleague whose infectious personality lit up every room he walked into.

From a very young age, Damian had an uncanny ability to brighten people's lives with his humor and infectious laughter. He was the life of the party and the ultimate jokester who never missed an opportunity to make everyone around him smile. Whether it was his family, his friends, or even his teachers at school, Damian made sure to give everyone a hard time in the most endearing way possible. His endless jokes and radiant smile touched the hearts of many and will be remembered forever.

Damian attended St. Mary's in his youth and teenage years, where he was raised in the Catholic Church. He later graduated from Temple High School, proudly paving the way for his future endeavors. After graduation, Damian served in the U.S. Navy with great pride. During his time in the Navy, he had the opportunity to travel along the East Coast and build lifelong friendships that he considered as family.

In his professional life, Damian worked for Keg 1 O'Neal for five years before recently being hired at East Penn. He was known for his dedication and strong work ethic which earned him respect from colleagues and supervisors alike. Outside of work, Damian had a range of hobbies and interests that brought him joy. He was an avid sports fan who passionately supported teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and Atlanta Braves. Damian loved playing slow pitch softball and basketball himself but would never tolerate anyone saying a bad word about the Cowboys - they were his pride and joy.

But above all else, nothing brought Damian more happiness than being a father to his beloved daughter, Maleiyah. She was the light of his life and his ultimate source of joy and inspiration. Damian's final goal in life was to buy his own house and create a loving home for himself and his daughter, ensuring her happiness and wellbeing.

Damian's life will be celebrated with services held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Temple, Texas, on Saturday, January 6, 2024. A time of visitation will take place at 9 am, followed by a Prayer Service to recite the Holy Rosary at 10:30 am. Funeral Services will then commence at 11 am. The church is located at 707 S 6th St, Temple, TX 76504. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple.

Damian is preceded by his great grandparents, Ines Sr. and Natalia Avila, and Emilio and Maria Pinon; and grandmother, Andrea Sedillo.

Damian leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his vibrant spirit. Survivors include his parents, Greg and Tonya Avila; sisters, Maria Avila (Marquis Russell), Mariah Avila (Matt Chapman), and Dalia Avila; daughter, Maleiyah Grace Avila and her mother, Christina Minor; grandparents, Edward Sedillo, George Sr. and Angelina Avila, Antonio and Denise Pinon, and Dixie Wilkinson; uncles, Matthew Tobar, Frank Martinez, Shorty Avila, Carlos Tobar, Joseph Sedillo, Daniel Avila, and Adam Avila; aunts, Crystal Avila, Laura Martin (Darrell Martin), and Audriana Pinon; and nephew, Marciano LeeRay Russell.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Martha Duarte, Ralph Castillo, Rev. Ranjan Cletus, Mariaha Davila, Lucy Tovar, Phillip Black, and to everyone who has extended their generosity, prayers, and presence during this difficult time.

In this time of mourning, let us remember Damian for the joy he brought into our lives and the love he shared with us all. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple oversees arrangements for the family.