Community remembers longtime Fowler mayor David Cardenas

FOWLER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to longtime Fowler Mayor David Cardenas.

The mayor died suddenly on March 11.

On Monday, family, friends, and the community honored him.

"To say that this is a huge loss is a big understatement," says goddaughter Marisol Plaza. "This is a huge loss to the family, to the community and we are really feeling it really hard today."

Plaza says the feeling of his absence hurts. She says she will remember him for his kindness and love, even in her own tough times.

"He supported us when my father passed away in 2008," he said. "He and my godmother, Ana have been there for us and anything that we needed as they were for many people."

The long lines at St Lucy's Catholic Church spilled into an overflow section and even to the parking lot.

The tremendous loss was felt across the county. Many public officials, including Fresno City Mayor Jerry Dyer, showed their support.

"David was a man that was revered in this city," he said. "There is definitely going to be a void without him. He was the mayor of Fowler but he was also a main steak, a pillar in this community."

He loved his community, Dyer said.

Cardenas owned his auto shop business for more than 40 years.

Plus, flowers and his coffee were set up at his favorite donut shop and even signs outside of his barbershop.

Cardenas served on Fowler's 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 civil servant."

After the funeral, the pallbearers wore red Dave's Auto Hats as they escorted his casket out.

The family wore their red ribbons in his honor.

"His legacy will always be caring, kindness and love," Plaza said.