David Lee Oglesbee, age 82, of Martin, died Saturday, Nov. 23,
David was born on May 29, 1942, in Saranac, to Raymond and Edna (Bethard) Oglesbee Sr.
David married Judi (VanderPloeg) Oglesbee, on May 10, 1963, at East Martin Christian Reformed Church. Together, they raised two daughters, Juli and Jill,.
A lifelong General Motors man, David was known for his passion for black cars with red stripes and his love of NASCAR, with Tim Richmond #25 holding a special place in his heart. He enjoyed working on race cars, restoring Wheel Horse tractors, teaching his loved ones about the ins and outs of automotive paint, and building intricate birdhouses for his wife to paint.
His inventive spirit led him to design and create tools and gadgets to make life easier for his family.
David’s hands were always busy, whether bow hunting, muzzleloading, mushroom hunting, or spending time at the family cabin. He shared coffee and camaraderie with friends and loved a good trip to the casino. Collecting pens and watches were a simple joy in his life.
David was a devoted family man who cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His love for Judi was unwavering, He attended every sporting event for his children and grandchildren, and welcomed them into his home every Sunday for dinner-beef and noodles on the menu and NASCAR on the television.
David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judi Oglesbee; his daughters, Juli Eckman and Jill (Kevin) Spiegelberg; his grandchildren, Ronna (Nate) Zeluff, Jessica (Cory) Lambright, Kevin Jr. (Jodi) Spiegelberg, Rayce (Sarah), Sydney (Nick), Kyle, and Brayden Eckman; his great-grandchildren, Isabella, Lucas, Michael, Emma, Aiden, and Will; his sister-in-law, Rose Oglesbee; and his niece, Kimberly Cooley, along with many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his parents, Raymond and Edna (Bethard) Oglesbee Sr.; his siblings, Wilson (Vicki) Oglesbee, Raymond “Fisher” Ogelsbee Jr., Thelma (Max) Francisco, Mary (George) Smit, and Paul “Red” (Della) Oglesbee; and his nephew, Robert White.
The family requests memorial donations be directed to the American Heart Association in David’s memory.
David’s steadfast love, faith, patient guidance, and commitment to his family will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who knew him.
In accordance with the family’s wishes public services will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams St., Plainwell, MI 49080 with a time for visiting Friday, Nov. 29, from 4 until 7 p.m. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, with a time for visiting beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. The Rev. Ruth Lowry will officiating. David will be laid to rest with his family at East Martin Cemetery following the service.
