David Clare Williams

David Clare Williams, 87, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on September 24th, 2025. Born on October 23rd, 1937, in Detroit to Beulah and Lorenzo “Clare” Williams, David left high school at 16 to proudly serve his country. He was a radio operator on a P2V aircraft in the U.S. Navy from 1953-57, and then continued his service to the U.S. government and NASA as a civilian in Clear, Alaska, the Phoenix Islands and the Canary Islands before returning stateside to Texas, Indiana, then Michigan until his retirement.

David married his wife, Faith, in Hawaii, and together they raised three children: Benjie Williams (Corie) of Hernando, MS, Mark Williams (Janice) of Negaunee, MI, and Colleen Hanis (Steve) of Galesburg, MI. He was a loving grandfather to Amanda, Heather, Chris, Parker, and Alexis, and a great-grandfather to five. He is also survived by a niece, Nicole and nephew, Thomas. David was preceded in death by his wife Faith Williams, his parents, his brother Lee, and his sister Shirley.

During their time in Texas, David joined the Del Mar Mason Lodge and was a proud member, always encouraging others to become a Mason. He loved the outdoors, and spent seven years as a Volunteer Conservation Officer (VCO) for the Michigan DNR in Boyne Falls and Boyne City, Michigan. In his retirement, David was also a passionate Coleman collector and a familiar face at auctions throughout southwest Michigan. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.