David Seligman

    David Seligman, 95, of Austin passed away on April 13, 2021 after a short illness.

    Born in Houston TX, January 15, 1926 to Louise (Landa) and Morris Seligman.

    David attended Texas A&M College (now University) first studying Electrical Engineering and later earning a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture after serving his country in the Navy.

    During WWII he helped design and test radar in airplanes along the Florida coastline. This is where he met and married the love of his life, Helene (Dolly) Seligman (nee Dwoskin).

    David and Dolly spent much of their life in Edna, Texas and he was active in the community, serving as president of the Lions Club, and as a member of other local associations and committees.

    David followed his father as manager, and later owner, of local retail clothing and dry goods businesses, employing many members of the surrounding communities over the years.

    When the economy changed in the mid 1980’s and the stores closed, David returned to college to become a teacher of middle school history and mathmatics.

    He was a member of several Jewish organizations and committees including multi-time president of the board at Sherith Israel synagogue in Wharton TX.

    He was also an active member of Congregation Beth Israel in Austin TX after he and Dolly moved there, mentoring children preparing for Bar and Bat Mizvah for several years.

    David was active in Boy Scouts, being a provider of Scout gear at the store. He was personally inducted into the Order of the Arrow and honored for over 20 years of service.

    He was known for love of golf, card games, and socializing with others. It was not uncommon for him to strike up a conversation with strangers.

    David is survived by his sister Celine Kaplan (late husband Charles); children Paula Urkowitz (Rabbi Mark) and Dan (Karen) Seligman; grandchildren Steven (Susan), Robert (Charlotte), Jacob (Jennifer) Orrin, Nicole (Oodie) Taliaferro and Evan Seligman; and ten great grandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by Dolly, his wife of 70 years, and thier daughter Marian (Sandy) Platz.

    Ceremony will be graveside at the Hallettsville Jewish cemetery on Thursday April 15, 2021.

    Donations can be made to Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care in Houston in his name.