David Girton, 89

David L. Girton, age 89, a lifelong Sturgis resident, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born May 30, 1932 in Sturgis, a son to the late Joseph and Gladys (Schemahorn) Girton.
David resided on the family farm which has been in the Girton family since 1847.
On Oct. 16, 1954 he married Janice Bothamley. She preceded him in death in January 2017.
David attended and graduated from White Pigeon Schools. He received his BS Degree from Michigan State University in 1954 with a major in Agriculture Economics. He was a farmer for 38 years in varying capacities as co-owner, manager, and operator until 1998. Even after retirement, he continued to help his son on the farm. He preferred to own Red International Harvester and Farmall equipment.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis for over 50 years. He currently attended the White Pigeon Church of Christ. He was a White Pigeon Township Trustee for 25 years. Also, a member of the White Pigeon Lions Club and Happy Farmers Farm Bureau Group. He was most proud of his entire family and enjoyed time spent with them, especially the grandchildren.
Surviving are one son: David M. (Ronna) Girton of Sturgis and one daughter: Lynelle (Gregory A.) Thrasher of Sturgis; 3 grandchildren: Derek (Lauren) Girton, Gregory P. (Madeline) Thrasher, and Seth (Kaitlin) Thrasher; 3 step-grandchildren: Joshua (Jarmila) Poorman, Samantha Poorman, and Jacob Poorman; step-great-grandchildren: Julian and Jonathan Poorman and great-grandchildren: Tyler Girton and Brighton Thrasher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister: Mary Jo Willcocks and her husband Ernest.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Services celebrating the life of David L. Girton will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, at the funeral home with Pastor Barry Edds, White Pigeon Church of Christ, officiating.
Private Interment will follow in White Pigeon Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to the White Pigeon Township Library or the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan. Envelopes are available at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis who have been entrusted with the arrangements.