David Colter, 71

David Ray Colter, 71, of Vicksburg, went to be with the LORD on Sept. 29, 2010 at home embraced by his family. David was born in Sturgis on May 31, 1939 to Thomas J. and Neva R. (Wygant) Colter. The family lived in Sturgis awhile, but later moved to the Portage area. He attended Portage Schools until leaving at the age of 16 to join the United States Marine Corps for four years, serving as an MP in Japan and Hawaii. Dave helped his parents with the Colter Flower Shop located on Portage Road for many years.

Dave was learning to shoot archery where he met his wife June at her Uncle’s archery range. They were married in Three Rivers on June 18, 1965. Dave and June moved to the Gourdneck Lake area when Dave got a job with the Kalamazoo County Parks Department. In 1969, they moved west of Schoolcraft for 39 years of country living. In 2008 they moved to a condo in the Vicksburg area. In 1969 he began employment with The Upjohn Company. He worked in many different areas finishing his career in the Promail department after 23 years of service.

Dave did wedding photos on the side for around five years. He enjoyed writing poetry. He served on the Harmony Chapel Church board for many years. Teaching classes, plus helping with the teens and being the main repairman. He taught classes for many years in 4-H including: photography, leather working, beading and helping with the horses at the shows in Van Buren County. He served on the Lawton School Board for four years. He was on the State Board of the Michigan Archery Association. He also served on the Van Buren County Mounted Police Reserve for four years.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, June Walter Colter of Vicksburg. Three children, one son: Dan (Linda) Colter, grandchildren: Josh Gilkey, Audrey Gilkey, Daniel Colter, Kevin Colter, and Collin Colter of Fulton. Two daughters: Cherie Colter (Cody Kelley), grandchild: Ashton Kelley of Schoolcraft. Heather (Jeff) Nichols, grandchildren: Malia Nichols and Madison Nichols of Scotts. One sister: Marty Goodwin (Mel Bergance) of Vicksburg. One brother: Tim (Lolly) Colter of Kalamazoo. Also four great grandchildren. Brothers-in-law: Gerald (Joyce) Walter of Oshtemo, Marlin (Bonnie) Walter of Three Rivers, Douglas Walter of Three Rivers. One sister-in-law: Nancy (James) Marlin of White Cloud. Many nieces and nephews and lots of great nieces and nephews. Plus many cousins. Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Bethany Chapel Church, 15130 Millard Rd., Three Rivers. Please visit Dave’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo or make a donation to: Harmony Chapel Church, Michigan Eye Bank, Borgess VNA, Parkinson Foundation or Make a Wish Foundation.