WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
David K. (Burger) Gilchrist, age 70, of Kalamazoo, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.
David was born Jan. 11, 1952 in Sturgis, a son to the late Donald K. and Phyllis I. (Derthick, Williams) Gilchrist.
He spent his childhood in Sturgis where he played little league baseball and was a long time Sturgis Journal paperboy.
He graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1970. Upon graduation he worked at Sturgis Chair. Moving on to Kalamazoo, he attended KVCC. He worked at James River until their closing and then was employed at Pfizer until his retirement.
Surviving are one sister: Kathryn (Gilchrist) Ellingson and husband, Steven. Their children: Kevin M. Ellingson (Heather), Lisa Ellingson Brookmyer (Matthew), and Suzanne McCallum (Scott). Nieces and nephews: Holly and Brock Ellingson, Alexis, Katie, and Karsin McCallum. Half-sister: Linda L. Scott of Coldwater. His step-sisters children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; many cousins and special friend Mary Hutchins.
David was preceded in death by his parents, step-brother: DeWayne N. Williams. Step-sisters: Joan Williams, Peckenpaugh and Erlene K. Williams Stahler (Gayle) of Montpelier, OH.
The family would like to give special thanks to Charles (Charlie) Kettle and wife, Lynda, Chuck Ludlow and wife, Deb, Tim Bridgeman and wife, Lori, for their never ending care and friendship to David.
A graveside committal will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at 3:00 with Ken Mills officiating. Following the graveside service a celebration of life with continued fellowship will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M., at Prairie Lake Tavern, 64641 N. M-66, Sturgis.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Kalamazoo SPCA, 6955 W Kl Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or your local animal shelter, because of his great love to his cat family.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for his family.
