David Alan Esparza

David Alan Esparza

Born on April 4, 1957 to Angel and Mildred (Kiser) Esparza in Kingman, KS.

David passed away April 20, 2026 after he courageously fought a 2-year battle of small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, chemo, radiation, Immunotherapy, COPD, emphysema, and fibrosis.

David grew up in Harper, Ks and graduated from Chapparal High School in 1975.

He attended college at Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Washington in 1976, and attended Washburn from 1977-1978.

David moved to Silver Lake, KS in 1985

He joined The Topeka Police Department in 1978 and retired in 2008. David was a patrol officer, Response Team member when it was first founded and retired as a detective.

David was a school softball coach for a few years, a sport he thoroughly enjoyed.

David was married to Debra D. Robinson from 1981-2004 and to Katherine Cole-Esparza from 2007 until his passing.

After retiring he worked side by side with his wife Katherine in her in-home daycare for 8 years and for 6 years in her daycare center in Silver Lake, KS.

David was called the “infant whisperer” as he had a special love and touch for the infants. He had so much love to give and helped care for over 100 children in the area. David had a heart of gold and a great love for children.

David was a simple man who loved his family and he was a fierce, strong protector of all the people he loved. He was the most wonderful husband, supportive father and the most incredible grandfather.

David is preceded in death by his parents, a sister Doris and his son Erik.

David is survived by his wife Katherine, two daughters, Marcy Gleeson (Brian) of Gilbert, AZ and Erin Vines (Troy) of Topeka, one step-son Phillip Alcala (Tamara) of Allen, TX, his sister, Elaine Esparza of Harper, KS a special niece, Jessica Alexander ( Andrew) and two great-nieces Kenadie and Harper Alexander of Meade, KS.

He has 8 grandchildren listed by age….. Talon Alcala of Norman Oklahoma, Adam Miller of Willard, KS, Madison Alcala of Allen, KS, Callie Graves of Rossville, KS, Vincent and Seth Vines of Topeka, Hutch and Remington Gleeson of Gilbert, KS.

A visitation will take place from 1:00pm to 2:00pm Monday, April 27, 2026 at Parker Price & Davidson Funeral Home. The funeral will begin at 2:00pm. Following services, David will be laid to rest at Silver Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made directly to Katherine Esparza. Those donations will be used to provide a big thank you to the nurses who were very dedicated to David's heart and care during his time in the hospital. If mailing a check, please mail to Parker-Price and Davidson Funeral Home at 245 NW Independence Ave Topeka, KS 66608.

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