The Austin College community is saddened by the death of senior trustee David Arthur Fornoff, 89, on April 18, 2019, at his home in Waco, Texas.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Waco, with Rev. Dr. Leslie King presiding. The family will greet friends in the Church Parlor from 1 p.m. until the service begins. David is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dottie; their four grown children, Rick Fornoff, Susan Fornoff, Tom Fornoff and Mary Beathard; seven grandchildren; and two great grandsons.
The Waco business leader was an active member of the Austin College Board of Trustees from 1986 to 1993. In addition to offering his leadership and guidance, Fornoff supported various board projects, particularly construction of Wright Campus Center, where his gift is noted: “Pouch Club Patio and Garden area provided by the generous support of David A. and Dorothy R. Fornoff.” He and his wife also made gifts toward IDEA Center construction.
See the family obituary and leave condolences.
From the Family’s Obituary:
Dave, his wife, Dottie, and their family moved to Waco in 1974 after he led the effort to select Waco as the location of the first Mars candy factory west of the Mississippi. His site selection team chose Waco above numerous finalist locations in central Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Dave then supervised the construction of the plant as Engineering Director, and was later appointed Vice President and Plant Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1989. The factory has operated continuously since 1975, employing thousands of Central Texans over decades of manufacturing Snickers, Starburst, and Skittles. Dave and Dottie have been the hub of a group of a cohesive group of friends transplanted to Waco from around the world.
Dave Fornoff was active in the Waco community. His love of philanthropy led him to serve roles such as trustee at Austin College (Served on the board from 1986-1993), president of Ridgewood Country Club, elder at First Presbyterian Church, logistics chair of the annual Waco/McLennan County Library book sale, Rotarian, Meals On Wheels volunteer, and benefactor of McClennan Community College and the Mayborn Museum.
Dave was known for his kindness, generosity, and even temperament. He had a steadfast dedication to Dottie. And, he could always be counted on for an ever-present sense of humor. Dave enjoyed the companionship of friends as they spent time playing golf and tennis at Ridgewood Country Club, as well as casual and competitive bridge. He loved traveling, and covered the all seven continents of the world with Dottie. Dave was happiest when reading a good book and spending time with family on a Jersey Shore beach.
Memorial gifts donated in Dave’s honor could be directed to one of the many organizations he cared deeply about, including the First Presbyterian Church of Waco, Caritas, Austin College, McClennan Community College, Mayborn Museum, Mission Waco and Meals on Wheels.