Donald David

DONALD DAVID

Cedar Rapids

Donald David, 89, a U.S. Army veteran, of Grand Rapids, Mich., went to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 17, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born to Mageed (James) and Guntusi (Constance) David in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Feb. 21, 1928.

As a young adult, and after military service, Don attended Marshall University in West Virginia, until a brief illness returned him to Cedar Rapids, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis. Early in their marriage they lived in Sioux City and then Denver, Colo., before settling in Grand Rapids, Mich., where they raised their four children.

Although he spent most of his adult life in the shoe business, he was a true artist with an exceptional eye and passion for photography. He enjoyed photography as a hobby, and later, as a professional wedding and portrait photographer. He took his art a step further and enjoyed painting with watercolor or oils, God's beautiful landscapes that he had captured on film.

Don's zest for life was in the simple pleasures God provided. He delighted in gardening and took great pleasure in sharing his harvest of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and eggplant with family and friends. He enjoyed the camaraderie and game of golf, and the serenity of fishing. Early morning breakfasts on the beach were a summer favorite. He could recite lines from old dramas and westerns, and he knew and appreciated all the music of yesteryear. In fact, Don was a true musician with excellent pitch and rich vocals, and loved to sing and whistle. As an active and faith-filled member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, he enjoyed contributing to the services with his chanting of liturgical hymns.

To many of his friends and family, he was endearingly known as and called "the Duke." Friends and family alike will remember his unparalleled hospitality, his terrific conversational character, his lighthearted wit and his kind, gentle and loving spirit.

Because he always gave his all to his family, Don will be lovingly missed by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis David; children, Jonathan (Tricia) David, Jennifer (Don) Kallil and Charese David; grandchildren, Cameron (Rachel) David, Alexandra David, Jeffrey (Lauren) Kallil, Elizabeth Kallil, Olivia Kallil and Nina Kallil; his sister, Delores (Russell) Colten; his brothers, Richard (Marcia) David and Carl David; and sister, Judy (Mike) Wiesen; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Steven (1988); and brother, Edward (2015). Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, with a Trisagion prayer service held at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, June 21, at St. George Church, 334 LaGrave Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Church.