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In Memory of Mr. David Munson Sr.

Educational First Steps celebrates the life and memory of David Munson.  As a tireless advocate and champion for early childhood education, Mr. Munson made a transformational impact on generations of early learners.  Mr. Munson believed that every child deserved access to a quality early learning experience and the opportunity to succeed.  As a philanthropist and leader, he was truly an inspiration and catalyst for meaningful change in our local community.  Mr. Munson’s legacy is enduring and will continue to be exhibited by the persistent strength of early childhood education in North Texas.  

MUNSON, David 10/6/1928 – 7/15/2023

David Murray Munson Sr., the youngest child of Betsy Kerr Munson and William Benjamin Munson, Jr., was born and raised in Denison, Texas. Graduated from Purdue in 1949 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

While in Dallas in 1954, David met the love of his life, Mona Cranfill Campbell. Known for his faith and passion for education and giving, he served on the board of Trustees of the Episcopal School of Dallas for nearly 50 years including 6 years as president of the board. Additionally, he served on the board of Trustees of Greenhill School, St. Michael’s School, and the Holy Family School. While serving on the board of the Holy Family School in McKinney, David was impressed by the effect early childhood education had on children from underprivileged families.

Spurred by this, David, together with his friends Linus & Joyce Wright, and Sandra Estess, founded Educational First Steps. Since 1990, EFS has helped transform childcare centers in communities with the greatest need across North Texas into nationally accredited, high-quality early learning environments. Through providing free educational materials, teacher training, and enriching activities to over 100 daycare facilities and schools in DFW, Educational First Steps improves early childhood education for over 5000 children per year in DFW.

Predeceased by Mona Munson, his wife of sixty-three years. Survived by sons: David M. Munson, Jr., Charles Cranfill Munson and wife Keli, John K. Munson; grandchildren: Isabel Rose Munson, Luke Eaton Munson, Lamar Boone Munson, Charles Campbell Munson, Eleanor Anne Munson, Linley Elizabeth Munson, Miles Buchanan Munson, Thomas Lancaster Munson. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, August 4, 2023, at Saint Michaels and All Angels Church in Dallas.

The link for the live stream will be shown on the Saint Michaels and All Angels website https://www.saintmichael.org prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Educational First Steps https://educationalfirststeps.org or charities of your choice. Antonette Barton and her team of Sharnae Williams, Elisha Wright, and Tiffany Johnson provided wonderful care for six years and the family is so thankful for their efforts. The family also wishes to thank Alice Flower for her many decades of faithful service.

Obituary originally published by Dallas Morning News Jul. 23, 2023