In Memory

David Retherford - Class Of 1932

David Retherford

David B. Retherford, 94, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2008. Born in Swayzee Indiana and raised in Delphi, he was a long-time resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the son of Jesse and Edith Musselman Retherford and is pre-deceased by his parents and his only sister, LaVaune Million, of Lafayette Indiana. Dave is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth (Betty); daughter Nancy Ossman of Fort Myers, and son Gary Retherford of Cassopolis, Michigan; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He attended Western Michigan University and in 1937 joined the Mobil Oil Sales Division for 31 years before retiring. In 1978 Dave and Betty relocated to Cape Coral, Florida to be closer to family and to enjoy the warmer climate. Dave was past president of the Kalamazoo Lions Club and a former member of the Cape Coral Loyal Order of Moose. In his younger years he enjoyed playing ping-pong, pool, bowling, tennis, and golf, and later in retirement took up flying R/C airplanes with the Cape Coral R/Sea Hawks. Memorial Services will be held at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral (2430 Diplomat Parkway) on Saturday, April 19 at 1pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33909. Burial was in Kalamazoo, Mi. Dave was most known for his humor, and he often said about getting old, "I don't recommend it." He was beloved by his family and needless to say, he will be sorely missed.

Published in The News-Press from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21, 2008