Fred Niles Dover

Fred Niles Dover, 82, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Howell, Michigan. He was born May 19, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, and moved to Athens, Georgia, at the age of 3. He was the son of the late Fred and Rebecca Dover.
Growing up, Niles enjoyed stamp collecting and fishing with his father. He was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, where he discovered an appreciation for the outdoors. In high school he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, played baritone in marching and concert band for four years, and served as Key Club president and secretary.
Niles graduated from Athens High School in 1961 with honors. He earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia in 1965. After serving two years in the U.S. Public Health Service, he returned to UGA and completed a master's degree in pharmacy in 1970.
Niles met his future wife, Diana, at the Arlington Church of Christ in Virginia. They sang together in the Arlington Chorus. After a nine-month courtship, they married on June 17, 1967.
Niles and Diana moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he worked for The Upjohn Company/Pharmacia/Pfizer for nearly 31 years. He later worked for The Quantic Group as a consultant for over five years.
After moving to the Kalamazoo area, they had four children. They would often take family vacations, traveling throughout the United States in a station wagon or motorhome. He supported his children by being the treasurer for the Band Parents Association, going to countless band concerts and marching band competitions, as well as other activities.
Niles was a member of the East Main Church of Christ in Kalamazoo, where he served as a deacon and then later as an elder for nearly 20 years. He taught singing, led songs, and served as church treasurer. Not only that, but he sang tenor as a member of the quartet, The Joyful Sound, and served on the Board of Trustees at Rochester College.
After retirement and while consulting, Niles and Diana fulfilled their lifelong dream of full-time RVing. They enjoyed exploring ghost towns, especially in the Southwest. When not traveling the country, they wintered in Hudson, Florida. In 2009, they settled down in Brighton, Michigan. He was a member of the Howell Church of Christ in Howell, Michigan, where he served as an elder for eight years.
His interests included gardening, genealogy, coin collecting, playing dominoes, and cooking and grilling for family gatherings. Every Saturday during football season, you could find him cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Niles is survived by his wife, Diana; four children, Julie (Scott) Morgenstern of Scotts, MI, John (Heather) Dover of East Lansing, MI, Jason Dover of Kalamazoo, MI, and Jennifer (Dennis) Hennen of Berkley, MI; two grandchildren, Megan Morgenstern and Kaitlyn Morgenstern, both of Scotts, MI; and his sister Sharon (Dennis) Bosquet of Athens, GA. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepmother.
Visitation will be Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes in Howell (formerly MacDonald's Funeral Home). On Saturday, October 18, 2025, visitation will be 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the Howell Church of Christ, 1385 West Grand River, Howell, MI, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. and lunch afterward.
Memorials may be made to the Howell Church of Christ, PO Box 82, Howell, MI 48844.
Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes in Howell, Michigan, is responsible for arrangements.