David Alexander Richard

David Alexander Richard was born November 15, 1939 to James & Margaret Richard (Longeway) in Detroit, MI. David was devoted husband, father, grandfather as well as a proud veteran of the US Navy. He was a fan of music, history and sports. He loved to read and had great stories to share. He always made those around him smile! He was a decent golfer as well.
After graduating from St. Benedict's High School in 1958 David joined the US Navy in July.
Upon Naval Boot Camp completion he was assigned to Norfolk, VA where he went to Radar School. He was then assigned to the USS Somers DD947 Destroyer based in San Diego, CA. He completed two tours of the Western Pacific during his time in the Navy with a home port of Subic Bay. David served his country while seeing the world with stops in Australia, Tasmania, Japan, Thailand, Tiawan Vietnam, Hawaii and Guam. He was honorably discharged from Naval service in 1962 from San Diego.
When David returned home to Michigan his dad asked him what he wanted to do. He replied that he wanted to be in show business, but it never came to pass. Times were hard as far as finding a job at that time. Through friends he got a job with Universal CIT where he met is wife Lois. They were married on May 23, 1964. Working traveling and enjoying life together they didn't start their family until the son Christopher James was born during October 1970. David's younger son, Michael David was born four years later in November 1974.
David loved music. During the 1967 Detroit riots he was working in airline inflight catering but soon after he went to work for Anderson Music selling musical instruments with a love for guitars. He left Anderson Music to work for Gibson Guitar but soon found that the required travel kept him away from his family too often. With his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to do what he loved, he opened Richard's Guitar in Livonia, Michigan where he sold and repaired musical instruments. After 10 plus years in business he decided to retire to spend more time at home but even then he was restless and wanted to stay active. During the mid-to-late 1980's, David worked in sales but decided to retire for good in the early 1990's to enjoy life and spend time with family. He took up golf club making after years of being an avid golfer and still dabbled with guitars. He shared his love of both with everyone. After Lois' retirement, Dave and Lois spent time traveling and enjoying life. Snow-birding in Fort Myers, Florida for 14 years, they made many great friends providing wonderful memories.
More important than his hobbies were his family. He was married to Lois for over 60 years. He loved his wife and his sons and saw them as the most important aspect of his life. He taught his sons to work hard, be honest and to treat everyone with respect. He also really loved his grandsons Korey and Evan. He was a proud grandfather who was thankful to see his grandsons grow into young men. Just like with his own sons, David shared life's lessons and his wisdom with his grandsons hoping to instill the family values he was brought up with. He was and will always be known as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Long live the music.
A Celebration of Life will be held for David at 1:00pm with visitation beginning at 11:00am until time of service on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel, 315 N. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843. A private interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.
Memories and online condolences can be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com.