Obituary for David H. Engle Retired Master Chief Yeoman David H. Engle, age 75 passed away on December 11, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 22, 1943 to Carl and Mary (Hagen) Engle in Muskegon, MI. On September 10, 1966, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Richardson.
David and Kathy were married for 52 years until Kathy preceded him in death just 2 months ago. David was also preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Engle; brothers, Louis Allen Engle Sr. and Paul Fredrick Engle; and nephew, Duane Engle. David is survived by his nieces and nephews: Allen (Karen) Engle, RoseMary (RGene) Fair, Elaine (Randy) LaNore, Susan Engle, Anita (Kevin) Speet, Roberta (Denny) Spliedt, Ellen VandeVusse and Michael Engle and many grandnieces, grandnephews and dear friends.
David spent 30 proud years serving his country with the U.S. Navy. Throughout his career in the Navy, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After retiring from the Navy, David still devoted his time by serving as a volunteer for the V.A. and actively helping with recruitment.
Serving his country and helping others was a big part of who David was. This easily led him to the Grand Rapids Police Department. David spent 13 years as an Emergency Communications Operator and Police Dispatcher.
David and Kathy spent their 52 years of marriage together living their dream of raising Karine Arabian horses at their farm, Willow Ridge, in Norton Shores. Decades of raising, breeding, showing and boarding horses lead to a family of friends in the horse world, including the Tuesday Trotters. Some of his fondest memories were attending the Kentucky Derby with Kathy and the birth and raising of their beloved horse, Giggles.
David had many passions for life including his love of baseball, specifically the Tigers. David was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. This led to many trips with his close friends over the years to see Tiger games around the country every summer and some great stories of friendships.
David’s most recent achievement was his induction into the Veteran’s Category of the Greater Muskegon Bowling Hall of Fame in October of this year. He joined his first bowling league in 1963 and up until recently, bowled several times a week. Over the 55 years of being an active bowler, he made many close friends.
Dave always was very active in bowling. Whether he was rolling a few or 70 games a week, participating in tournaments, acting President of the one of his leagues or lending a hand as a volunteer. Even beyond his death, David still wanted to help others.
He could not win his fight against cancer but wanted to help win the battle by donating to cancer research. A Funeral Service with Military Rites will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 21 at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 with Pastor Keith Sandison officiating. Visitation with the family will be held the evening prior from 5-7PM at The Lee Chapel.
Burial to follow the service at Pine Hill Cemetery in Fruitport, MI. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David H. Engle please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation , DEC 20.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM The Lee Chapel 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI, US, 49444 Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before David’s Visitation begins. Funeral Service , DEC 21. 11:00 AM The Lee Chapel 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI, US, 49444 Order Flowers for the Funeral Service Guaranteed delivery before David’s Funeral Service begins.
Cemetery Details Fruitport Cemetery 6600 S. Brooks Rd.
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