Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Dec 3, 1938 – Sep 13, 2022
David Martin, age 83, entered his heavenly rest on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous one year battle against pancreatic cancer. David was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
David was born on December 3, 1938, in Flint, Michigan, son of Alan and Clarissa (Hartman) Martin. He graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1957, attended Flint Junior College, and graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in business administration in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960-1966.
David married Diane Springsteen on July 15, 1977.
David worked for General Motors and retired after forty-four years of service as a finance manager at GM Service Parts Operations in 2003. Singing was his passion and his ministry. He sang solos for many weddings and funerals, sang in his church choir, with the Flint Male Chorus, and was in many musicals in his younger years. He sang the National Anthem for the Crim Festival of Races for five consecutive years. In addition to singing, he enjoyed sailing, reading, bicycling, road trips in the western United States, family vacations in northern Michigan, and good strong coffee. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church from childhood where he served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, small group leader, and choir member. Since 2020 he was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Grand Blanc. His faith in Jesus was strong through all the highs and lows of life.
A private family service has been planned.
He is survived by his loving wife Diane Martin, children John Martin, Denise Hodgkinson, Amy Reed, Beth (Brian) Simpson, Becky (Nick) Belill, Chris (Rachel) Martin, grandchildren Tara and Kayla Hodgkinson, Timothy (Lindsay), Aaron, Evelyn, and Gabriel Simpson, Samuel, Kathryn, Hannah, and David Belill, Stella and Everett Martin, brother Danny (Karen) Martin, sisters Kathy (Steve) Lowery, and Laurie Diener. He was preceded in death by parents, Alan and Clarissa Martin, brother Paul Martin, sister Rebecca Thiel, and granddaughter Audrey Martin.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at U of M Hospital, Dr. Sturm, hospice nurse Randy and Pastor Biermann.
Donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Grand Blanc, Michigan or Rogel Cancer Center, Pancreatic Cancer Program Fund #308187 at leadersandbest.umich.edu or Gifts and Records, 3003 S. State St., Ste. 8000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 888-518-7888.
Read MoreI have warm memories of high school house parties where Dave would usually be asked to sing "Scarlet Ribbons" He would always do so beautifully and always left a few damp eyes among us classmates.
And now that he's in Heaven, he's probably still enriching others with his beautiful voice.
Eric Petersen
September 08, 2023 | Flint, MI | Classmate
david was an outstanding member for our group' i joined in 1970-71 the first year that the chorus became a club and had to pay our own way. the chevrolet group had 60 plus members that returned only 14 men. myself and two others vocalists joined that year. david was there before me and he loved to sing hava nageala{not sure of the spelling) and relied on me and steve krefeld to make up a jewish like top harmony. we were very fortunate because most of us were soloists like dave and had vocal...
clayton burley
December 22, 2022 | Vassar, MI | Friend
I’m so sorry for your loss. My husband Mike and I knew Dave from GMSPO and we were neighbors for a time. I remember a warm, friendly man with a great smile. He was kind enough to sing at our wedding and it’s a lovely memory.
Natala Harvey
November 28, 2022 | Coworker
So sorry to hear of Dave´s passing. He was a lifelong friend dating back to our days at Redeemer and later Flint Tech. He loved his Northern vacations and would visit me in Petoskey. I speak for Flint Tech´s Class of 1958 in passing along our deepest sympathy to Dave´s wonderful family. Fred Meier
Fred Meier
September 22, 2022
Dear Diane and family,
Dave was such a great person. We both enjoyed working with Dave for many years. He was a kind and cheerful presence at the workplace. He will always be remembered as one of the best and respected people at SPO.
Sam and Nadine McAllister
September 21, 2022 | Grand Blanc, MI | Coworker
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Carrie & Lee Pelton
September 20, 2022 | Other
I worked with Dave for many years and remember when Diane and he got married. May God bless you.
Sandra Loxton
September 18, 2022 | Mt Morris, MI | Coworker
I was saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He sang so beautifully at my wedding. He is in Gods wonderful hands now! Hugs and prayers to the family.
Karen Amore (Bakke)
September 18, 2022 | Canton, MI | Friend
Dear Diane and family:
I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s death. I didn’t know he had been so ill. I have great memories of Dave all the way back to high school. Also so many great memories
through the years of his singing; Including our wedding and Karen’s. Since Bruce’s death, I haven’t been up-to-date on much of anything. Again, so sorry for your loss. May God‘s promises comfort you.
Much love, Carol Bakke.
Carol Bakke
September 18, 2022 | Flushing, MI | Friend