Gentiles' life: Extraordinary Journey

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An Austin faith community is mourning the loss of one of its best-known leaders.

Rev. David Gentiles died Dec. 18 at Brackenridge Hospital four days after an accident at his gym. He was 58 years old. He is survived by his three daughters - Ariele, Hannah and Calla.

A commemoration occurred on the baseball field at St. Michael's Catholic Academy. A baseball field is not the first place most people think of when it comes to a funeral. But friends and family of the local youth pastor said it was the perfect place to honor their loved one.

Gentiles dedicated his life’s work to the youth. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Gentiles went to Baylor then went on to get his masters from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Working with children was his calling, and those who saw him in action say he performed miracles.

Gentiles ministered to thousands of teenagers and their families since moving to Austin in 1993. He was the youth pastor at Riverbend Church for 12 years before helping start Journey Imperfect Faith Community in North Austin.

According to his congregation, Gentiles, a burly man, was never afraid to show his emotions. He would cry without shame. He believed that every person was worth saving. He had encouraging words for everyone he met.

Gentiles is cited in the bestseller, “90 Minutes in Heaven” as the person who encouraged Don Piper to write about his experience during the 90 minutes he was declared dead.

Gentiles led mission trips around the world and was the Co-Anchor of “Faith in the Game” Radio show on ESPN Radio Austin.

From the countless posts on his Facebook page, his impact on people is widespread. Many write about how he supported them, encouraged them years ago. The posts come from cities across Texas and Louisiana.

Gentiles’ memorial service was an informal affair at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy's baseball field.

Immediately following the service, there was “The David Gentiles Experience: An Open House of Creative Expression in Celebration of David’s Life”. It is an open event until midnight at the Journey IFC Warehouse.

According to the Journey IFC Web site, the family requests donations to the Journey IFC Strength Team in lieu of flowers. There is also an account set up to help support Gentiles’ three daughters. “Gentiles Family Donation” is the name of the account at Bank of America. You may take a check (made out to Gentiles Family Donation) to any Bank of America location, or contact your own bank and have them transfer money to the account. You are also welcome to mail a check to Journey IFC, made out to "Gentiles Family Donation."