David James Converse, 79, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at home. He was born June 19, 1940, the son of David and Josephine (VanHout) Converse. Dave graduated from Springfield High School in 1959 and served on active duty in the United States Army from September 1959 to August 1962, stationed in what was then West Germany. After his discharge from the Army, he worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek until his retirement in 1995. During his time at Kellogg’s, he was active in the Local 480 Pressman’s Union, serving for a time as President, and in the Calhoun County AFL-CIO, serving for a time as Secretary-Treasurer. He was also an active member of the Michigan Democratic Party and had a lifelong interest in politics. During his retirement, he joined the Fort Custer Honor Guard Monday Squadron, and served as a member of the squadron, and later as an assistant squad leader, until 2019. He loved the outdoors, reading, traveling around Michigan, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Trisha (Spring) Converse; a sister, Sharron Girdley (Fred); a son, David Converse; five daughters: Amy Connolly (Frank), Holly Newman (Jon), Laurie Green (Scott), Sarah Converse (Matthew Bowman), and Erica Converse (Randall Bridge); his former wife Lynne Converse; and 6 grandchildren: Ryan Converse, Alyssa Peterson, Taylor Gaw, Evan Connolly, Arielle Converse, and Brynna Connolly.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, at Baxter Funeral Home, 375 West Dickman Road, Battle Creek. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m., and the funeral service will be followed by committal at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Fort Custer Honor Guard Monday Squadron, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012.