David LeRoy Penter Jr.

David LeRoy Penter Jr. 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Niles, Michigan.
David was born on January 7, 1949 in Niles, Michigan to the late David LeRoy Penter Sr. and Mildred Louise (Beadle) Penter.
Along with his parents, David was preceded in death by his loving wife, Teena Ann (Johnson) Penter and siblings, Buddy Penter, Barb Huffaker, Priscilla Ort, Linda Monica, Bonnie Talaga, Vickie Penter, and Michael Penter.
Left to cherish the memory of David are his children, Brandy (Brian) McCarley, Brady (Ron) Loughary, and Sara Penter; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother, Robert (Nancy) Penter; brother-in-law, Ric (Debbie) Johnson, sister-in-law, Phyllis Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.
A man of humor and heart, David turned every encounter into a moment of shared joy; his engaging tales, often embellished with his signature flair, will resonate with laughter. David's conversational prowess meant he never met a stranger, and many will remember the warm banter that came so naturally to him.
A proud Vietnam veteran, David carried the same courage and dedication throughout the various chapters of his life, touching the hearts of those he met. His love story began when he arrived home from Vietnam through a cherished connection-meeting his wife Teena through his sister-and blossomed into a beautiful partnership that celebrated its golden jubilee, just ahead of Teena's passing in 2020. David's legacy is a tapestry of vibrant anecdotes, enduring friendships, and the profound love that he and Teena shared for fifty wonderful years.
His competitive spirit found its outlet in sports; he spent many an evening perfecting strikes and spares with his league bowling team and days chasing the perfect swing on the golf course. David's zest for life was as boundless as his love for sports, exemplified in his unwavering support for the Dodgers and the Lions, and his passion for fantasy football.
But it was his role as a grandpa and papa that brought him the most profound joy, his playful spirit and jokester persona found their greatest audience in the eyes of his grandchildren. David was loved by the Niles School System by not only the kids but the teachers who he worked alongside. David's memory will be carried forward with every story shared, every game played, and every laughter-filled moment cherished by those who loved him.
Visitation for David will be on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Funeral Service to begin at 11:00am at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, MI 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for David's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com