Robert Alton “Bob” David, age 77, of Clare, passed away at his home on January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born the son of Alton and Elnora (Kleiner) David on Feb. 21, 1947, in Gladwin, Michigan. After high school, Bob served his country as a US Navy Corpsman assigned to the US Marine Corps gulf 2/7 in Vietnam, being awarded a Purple Heart for receiving a gunshot wound to the chest while treating a fellow Marine in a combat zone. After Vietnam, he worked as an EMT with the Clare County Ambulance before becoming a Deputy with the Isabella County Sheriffs Department working as road patrol, a Fire Investigator, then an Emergency Manager over a 27-year career. After retiring in 2002 to be a stay-at-home dad, Bob became involved in many school activities including the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, managed the Clare Primary School Carnival for almost a decade, and was a founding member of the Clare Education Boosters and countless other activities. The kids at school would remember Bob popping popcorn every Friday, being a lunch-buddy, helping with school picture days, or being a friendly and familiar face. Bob dedicated his life to serving his community and others.
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tammy; his son, Brian (Jenny) David of Clare; his daughters, Julia David and Hannah David; his grandson, Anders David; and his brother and two sisters, Donald K. (Kathy) David, Jeannie Carncross, and Lynn (Steve) Mattis. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Jim McFarlane; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Carncross.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, 1:00 PM, at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Young officiating. The burial will follow in the Cherry Grove Cemetery and afterwards a luncheon will be provided at the Clare United Methodist Church. Friends may meet with his family at the funeral home on Sunday, January 5, from 2 to 4 and 6-8 PM. Memorials may be made to the Education Boosters of Clare Public Schools. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
