On the other side of town in Conroe, the family of John Downhower is also trying to come to terms with this tragic accident.
"It's hard," said John's brother Jim Downhower. "It's a shock for everybody, I think, because there's hurricanes... That's when I would worry, not yesterday. That was just a normal day."
John's father-in-law Ron Aguilar said, "I really never thought about any fear of him flying around because I knew how conscientious he was."
They say John had been flying since he was just 18 years old. But during this time of grief, both families are taking time out to remember the good times.
"I had always considered myself so lucky that my daughter found somebody like John," Aguilar recalled. "We're so proud of him."
They say John was always trying to help someone out -- like the time he jumped on an airplane to fix the sprinkler system at his parents' house.
As for his partner, Dave's family says he was going back to college to finish his degree. He loved writing poems and playing the guitar. And both men loved flying.
"He did have a passion for flying," Jim said. "If there's any good coming out of it, he died doing what he loved doing and that's important."
Services honoring both men have been scheduled:
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John Downhower Memorial
Friday, October 17, 11am
Fellowship of the Woodlands
One Fellowship Dr.
The Woodlands, TX 77384
David Garrett Funeral
Saturday, October 18, 11am
River Pointe Community Church
5000 Ransom Rd.
Richmond, TX 77469
For the Garrett family, contributions can be made to:
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Adam Ryan Garrett Educational Fund
PO Box 1811
Sugarland, Tx 77478-1811
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