David Alan Curson Sr.

David "Friz" Alan Curson, born November 4, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio from the union of George L. and Kathryn I. Curson, died September 23, 2024. David grew up the youngest of six children. He loved sharing stories of his beloved parents and his childhood memories of his siblings. He fondly remembered his mother's cooking and his father's dry humor.
After graduating from Whitmer High School in 1966, David followed in the footsteps of his mother, working at the Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company, and attended the University of Toledo. However, he was one of the few that was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1968.
When he returned from service in the Vietnam War in 1970, he began work at the Ford Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he became a Die Cast Die Maker Journeyman.
While working at the plant, David became involved with the UAW by being elected UAW Plant Chairman. He was a long-time member of the International Union staff including Top Administrative Assistant to several UAW Presidents. He began negotiating Big Three contracts in 1982 and also testified on behalf of Chrysler and GM at their bankruptcy hearings after President Obama's automotive bailouts. He worked on countless contracts and always negotiated for fairness and equality.
David was a United States Congressman as a member of the 112th U.S. House of Representatives' 11th District in 2012. It was important to him to be a part of the vote for American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that addressed the fiscal cliff's revenue side by implementing smaller tax increases which helped the working person. He believed deeply in representing the voices that needed to be heard, strengthening the working class.
David met the love of his life, Sharon, on a blind date. His infectious belly laugh and humor won her over. Excited to start their new lives together, they were married in Hawaii in 1989.
David's children meant the world to him. He spent many hours fishing with his oldest son, David Jr. He loved sharing laughter and teasing his daughters, Lisa and Katie. He cherished his time attending the Wings' games with his son, David Claude. He enjoyed talking sports with his son-in-laws, Scott and Nick.
Though David loved golfing, fishing, and tinkering, his favorite role was that as a Papa. He treasured his time with his grandsons and granddaughter. He enjoyed teaching them, attending as many of their sporting events as possible, cooking their favorite meals, and enjoying snickerdoodles.
Friz was surrounded by many, many friends who he called family. He was known for making others feel loved and capturing the whole room with his stories and sense of humor.
David was preceded in death by his son, David Claude Jones II; his brother, George Curson, Jr.; and his sisters, Nancy Moore and Mary Beck.
He is survived by his soulmate, Sharon Curson; his son, David Curson, Jr.; daughters, Lisa (Scott) Beard and Kathryn (Nick) Watson; sister, Alice Schorling; brother, Frank (Beverly) Curson; and grandchildren, Peyton Sizemore (Emma Jones), Parker Beard and Jackson, Jacob and Jamie Watson. David's love for his family and friends was his legacy.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Homes, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor. Funeral Service will begin at 4:00 pm led by Pastor Rocky Barra.