The mayor died suddenly on March 11.
On Monday, his family, friends and the community paid tribute to him.
“To say this is a huge loss is an understatement,” says goddaughter Marisol Plaza. “It’s a huge loss for the family, for the community and we feel it really very strongly today.”
Plaza says the feeling of her absence hurts. She says she will remember him for his kindness and love, even in his own difficult times.
“He supported us when my father passed away in 2008,” he said. “He and my godmother, Ana were there for us and whatever we needed as they were for a lot of people.”
Long queues at St Lucy’s Catholic Church spilled into an overflow section and even the parking lot.
The huge loss was felt across the county. Many public officials, including Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, have shown their support.
“David was a revered man in this town,” he said. “There’s definitely going to be a void without him. He was the mayor of Fowler but he was also a steak principal, a pillar in that community.”
He loved his community, Dyer said.
Cardenas has owned his auto shop business for over 40 years.
Additionally, flowers and her coffee have been installed at her favorite donut shop and even signs outside her hair salon.
Cardenas has served on Fowler City Council since the early 2000s and as mayor for over a decade.
The city called him “a pillar of the community and the epitome of a public servant”.
After the funeral, pallbearers wore red Dave’s Auto hats as they escorted his casket.
The family wore their red ribbons in his honor.
“His legacy will always be care, kindness and love,” Plaza said.
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