David "Dave" Lyon Teja

David “Dave” Teja passed away on April 17, 2025. He was born on June 9, 1962, in Yuba City California, to Dave and Billie Teja.

He is survived by his wife Debi Palmer Teja, his children, Jordan Teja(Karen), Josette Teja(Declan) and Carl Rupert, and his beloved dog “Peanut”. He is also survived by his family, his sister Lorie Thomas(Bob) and their children, and his sister Tombi Page(Cliff) and their children.

David graduated from Tierra Buena Elementary School and from Yuba City High School. Upon graduation, David moved to Chico where he attended Butte College and Chico State. While attending Chico State, David was working for a care home for disabled adults, where he met Debi Palmer. The two married and welcomed their children Jordan and Josette in 1996 and 1999.

David received his Masters degree from Chico State in 1994 and his doctorate from University of San Francisco in 2014.

David devoted over 30 years as a special education teacher, positively impacting the lives of the most vulnerable, and together with his wife, ran a care home for individuals with developmental disabilities for 23 years. David also taught at his alma mater, Chico State, for 24 years.

David was loved by everyone that knew him. He would light up a room when he entered and he always had a joke to make you laugh and a story to tell. David never knew an enemy, he was friends to everyone. David never thought he was better than anyone, he loved people and was always so kind. David loved his family very much and was immensely proud of his children Jordan and Josette. David planned to retire in August of this year, and was looking forward to spending time with his family and future grandkids. He will be greatly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1-3 pm at Lakeside Pavillion, 2565 California Park Drive, Chico, CA 95928.