David Wayne Solmes Sr.

David Wayne Solmes Sr. obituary

David Wayne Solmes Sr.

David Solmes Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc. - Hastings from Jul. 21 to Jul. 30, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

David Wayne Solmes, Sr., age 75, of Hastings, Michigan, formerly Lake Placid, FL, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 20, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born on September 6, 1949, in Hastings, David was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, proud business owner, and active community member. David married the love of his life, Joan Kay Solmes (Cole), on December 22, 1972. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, building a strong and loving family rooted in love of the outdoors, humor, and travel. He is survived by his wife Joan, and their children: Stacey (Bob) Vandenberg, Christina (Wade) Woytal, and David (Tracy) Solmes. David was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy. David joined the family business, Dewey's Auto Body in Hastings, as a teenager. In 1984, he and his brother Russell took over the business, where David's work ethic and commitment to quality service were well known in the community. He retired in 2000, and his legacy proudly continues through his son, David Solmes Jr. An avid outdoorsman, David found joy in hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He loved traveling across the United States with Joan and spent many happy days riding his TerraTrike through the streets of Tomoka Heights. David will be most remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor. He had a gift for lighting any moment with a joke or quick wit, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. Even in his final days, he asked for jokes to be shared with him, and delivered a few
of his favorites in return. He was a committed member of the Hastings Rotary Club and an active supporter of his community. David was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Anna Mae Solmes, and his brother, Russell Solmes and sister, Leslie Solmes. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Barry Community Foundation – Coleman Agency MJ Scholarship Fund for Trades, in honor of David's passion for supporting hardworking tradespeople and continuing education, https://www.barrycf.org/funds/coleman-agency-mj-scholarship-fund/. David's warmth, laughter, and legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Solmes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign David Solmes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?