David “Dave the Barber” Terrill, Sr. of Clare, MI, was peacefully called home on the evening of January 28, 2025, at the age of 84, reuniting with his wife Wanda, whom he loved and adored for 64 years of marriage, in the eternal presence of the Lord. Those fortunate enough to have known Dave were almost certainly touched by his sense of humor and gregarious, warm nature. While his 40-year career as the namesake barber of Dave’s Barber Shop earned him a place in the heart of everyone who walked in his door—especially the kids who loved to watch the model trains wind around the elaborate layout while waiting for their turn in his chair, it was his tireless devotion to service and charity that made him a cornerstone of the Clare community. As a lifelong devout member of the Catholic Church, Dave faithfully served with the Knights of Columbus, leading fundraising efforts to support the underprivileged and throwing himself into church initiatives wherever the need arose. His “brother knights” held a special place in his heart. Dave was an active member of Optimist International where he enjoyed all Optimist Club activities and camaraderie of the members. His natural ability to bring people together throughout the community made him an effective champion for the club’s charitable initiatives. His efforts organizing the March of Dimes Walkathon helped make it the most successful walkathon in the country per capita at the time are just one of many examples of the impact of his work. Dave was an avid model train enthusiast, and the layout in his barber shop and logo on his sign (a train engine with a barber pole attached to it, of course) that led many in town to recognize him as “the train barber” were only a slight indication of the depth of his passion for the hobby. In his spare time, he had amassed an impressive collection of trains and miniature accessories that allowed him to construct a model train city on the second floor of the family home, complete with tunnels through the walls. In combining his talents with his hobby in service to his community, he started the annual Mid-Michigan Model Train Show as an Optimist Club fundraising effort to move and preserve the Clare train depot. The show succeeded in its original mission and has continued to grow in popularity for decades, returning for its 42nd year this March. Dave’s efforts throughout the community frequently had him working with the Clare City government, and he was deeply honored when it awarded him with the Key to the City. Dave encouraged his four children to participate in sports, even coaching little league baseball for a time. He continued to support Clare High School sports long after his children were grown. Despite his five grandchildren, all graduates of Michigan State, insisting upon a change in his allegiance, his strong Catholic faith prevailed, and he remained a lifelong, avid fan of Notre Dame football. Fortunately, there was no family rift when it came to professional sports—he loved each of the Detroit teams and rarely missed a game. In his later years he would be seen playing Chess or Euchre, which he avidly enjoyed. Living long enough to play chess with some of his great-grandchildren was almost certainly one of his more cherished memories. Dave was preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his brothers Donald Jr., Ronald, and Jimmy, his sisters Betty and Dolly, and his daughter Donna. He is survived by his sister Sally (Gene), three of his children, Debbie (Joe), Katherine (Charles), and Dave Jr., his five grandchildren: Jason (Liz), Jenni, Dan (Betsy), Matt (Marissa), and Aaron (Khaleigha) and five great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Harrison, Henry, Samuel and Frederick—all of whom he was so proud and loved dearly. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in honor of Dave and officiated by Monsignor Francis Koper on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Clare at 11:00am. Friends are welcome to visit with members of Dave’s family at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. The Rite of Committal and burial will immediately follow at the St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Dave may be directed to Our Lady of Hope in Clare, MI, his beloved parish. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com.
