With a spirit built in the sunlit pastures of South Texas and a heart anchored by the enduring values of family, tradition, and hard work, David Q. “Cope” Treviño, Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the age of 81 in Kerrville, Texas. Born on March 3, 1945, David was, from his first breath, a “Kineño”—a son of the land and legacy of King Ranch, raised among the mesquite trees and vast skies of a place that shaped his destiny.

David’s story began, fittingly, at the side of his father, tending to thoroughbred racehorses in the blinding heat of a Texas summer in 1951. It was there, just a boy, he learned the weight and satisfaction of honest labor, a lesson lovingly reinforced by his revered grandfather “Wello Cocoy” Ramon Huerta Treviño. Intending to steer young David along a different path, his grandfather declared that he would make a cowboy of him—and so began a lifelong adventure in horsemanship and ranching.

It was a privilege and a rite of passage for David to apprentice alongside famed cowboys within his own extraordinary family—his uncles Ramon “Mo’re” Villa Treviño, Alberto “Lolo” Treviño, Gilberto “Tilile” Treviño, Pedro “Peditro” Treviño, and his beloved brother Gabriel “Gabe” Treviño. He was also counted fortunate to learn from respected vaqueros and friends, including Eliberto “Lilo” Perez Quintanilla, Carlos “Chale” Escobedo, Robert R. “Bobby” Shelton, Bobby Cavazos, Cruz Silguero, Israel Mendieta, Pedro Montalvo, Joe Garcia, Noe Silva, Chon Silva, Israel Vela, Rale Vela, Pedro “Pety” Garcia, and so many others who shaped his character and skills.

David found joy, accomplishment, and camaraderie as a member of La Corrida Chiquita and the Corrida in the Santa Gertrudes Division. Rising through the ranks at King Ranch, he ultimately became Foreman of the equine reproduction department under Joe Stiles. His time there was marked by unforgettable collaborations, including assisting in the horse training with legendary Buster Welch. His colleagues included Dr. Norway, Dr. G. L. Morrow, Placido Maldonado, Silverio Martinez, Hilario Garza, David Maldonado, Cipriano Garcia, Keno Quintanilla, and others—each contributing a thread to the tapestry of David’s professional legacy.

Later, when Robert R. “Bobby” Shelton founded Shelton Ranches in Kerrville, Texas, David served as Foreman of the Broodmare and Equine Reproduction Department. He was entrusted with designing the breeding barn and paddocks—an honor and responsibility he undertook with meticulous care. His detailed breeding records and innovative practices gained recognition in a major publication, a tribute to his excellence and passion for the craft.

Yet David’s life was never defined by one path alone. He lent his strong hands and steadfast spirit to many ventures: as a welder with Mosher Steel Company in Houston; in service with both the City of Houston and Kingsville; and even out at sea, working on a shrimp boat alongside his uncle “Tilile.” Each endeavor was imbued with the same tenacity and dedication that marked his days as a vaquero.

David’s devotion to service extended beyond his civilian life. He answered a deeper calling as a Sergeant First Class with the Texas State Guard, serving from April 26, 1968, through December 7, 1969, in the 301st Battalion in Kingsville. His contribution was distinguished and his honorable discharge a reflection of his unwavering commitment and integrity.

Amidst these storied achievements, David created a legacy that extends well beyond records and titles. He was among the artists who designed and painted the mural at Santa Gertrudes School at King Ranch—a lasting testament to his pride in heritage and community.

David’s true wealth was measured not in accolades but in the values, he instilled in those around him. He taught the meaning of hard work and perseverance, inspiring his children and loved ones to never yield and to strive for excellence in every endeavor. “Fix things with your own hands,” he would say, and by this creed, he empowered others to meet life’s challenges with independence and ingenuity. Affectionate and passionate, David’s love for his family was a guiding light, a reminder that richness resides in unity and shared love, not in material riches.

He leaves behind a profound example—of honor, laughter, devotion, and resilience. Although the great open pastures of his youth now carry his memory, the lessons David Q. “Cope” Treviño, Jr. bestowed endure in the hearts and hands of all who were privileged to know him.

David’s unwavering strength, humility, and love remain as his cherished legacy; a legacy that will echo for generations.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life Norma Saenz Treviño; son-in-law, Jorge Hinojosa; parents, David V. Sr., and Mary Quinones Treviño; sister, Mary “Chachi” Gutierrez, and granddaughters, Abigail Perez and Alyssa Perez.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his children, David S. Treviño III (Cynthia), JoAnne Garcia (Noe), Monica Ann Hinojosa, William S. Treviño (Martha), Maria Amparo Miller (Radar), and Fortunato Pedro Jaramillo Treviño (Valerie); grandchildren, Dora Lynn Treviño, Ashley Treviño, Christina Malik (Aaron), Noe Garcia Jr. (Valerie), Isabel Castellano, William Treviño Jr., Norma Treviño, Nicolas Perez, Ambrosio Perez, Angel Miller, Raelyn Treviño, and Roman Treviño; great-grandchildren, Levi Malik, Avery Malik, Aiden Garcia, Sophie Garcia, Mariah Gilkey, Alicia Gebara, Dominic Gebara, Tatiana Treviño, Leah Treviño, and Anthony Treviño; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended families and friends.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Martin Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment with military honors will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.