David Anaya

Although the family and friends of David Anaya would have loved more time with him on this side of heaven, they rejoice in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe, and that they will see him again one day. He gave his best to the Lord and to his church through his music, which touched the heart and soul of many. David was a humble man whose greatest treasure was found in the love he shared with those around him. His love for his family was unmatched, and the devotion he gave to sharing God’s love with others was his life’s mission.

The 1950s were a bustling time in American history. Neighborhoods and schools were bursting at the seams in the post-war Baby Boom, and many families moved from the cities to stake their claim on a comfortable life in the suburbs. For the family of Israel and Maria (Nava) Anaya of Weslaco, Texas, it was a time of celebration as they welcomed the birth of their first child, son David, on December 29, 1952. David was later joined by his two younger siblings, Elizabeth and Danny, who completed the Anaya household. When David was 5, his family moved north to Michigan, settling in the small agricultural township of Orangeville. Here, his father provided for their family working at Murco and was the pastor (and later the Bishop) of the Orangeville Apostolic Church, while his mother worked at Kesslers in Wayland. After David graduated from Delton Kellogg High School in 1971, he worked at Kesslers and then Murco along with his parents for a time. He eventually took a job at Parker Hydraulic Systems Division in Kalamazoo, where he was still employed.

Life was forever changed for David when he met the woman with whom he would spend the best years of his life. Her name was Linda, and they met at church when they were both quite young. When Linda turned 16, David was finally able to ask her out and with that, their love story had begun. Hopelessly in love, the two were married by David’s Uncle Filemon in his church - the Orangeville Apostolic Church. The happy newlyweds settled into married life together in Orangeville, and were active members in their church. After 8 years, David and Linda were blessed with their “miracle” child, Esther, who brought them such joy. Later in life, their family was blessed with another daughter, Demetria, who they adopted in 2011. David also became the guardian of Demetria’s brother, Jesus, that same year.

Throughout David’s life journey, he was accompanied by his unwavering faith that was an inspiration to all who were within his reach. David praised the Lord through music, and he always gave his best. He learned to play the guitar when he was 14 by watching some of his favorite artists perform – like the Eagles, B. B. King, Roy Clark, among others. He then started playing in church, which eventually led to a music ministry wherein he was the lead guitarist for a band called Los Unicos (the only ones). The band traveled all over the U.S. from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania to perform, playing at youth camps, conventions and the Barry County Fair. David’s music was truly a gift that he used to praise God. No matter what life brought, he always found time to give back to the church, whether it was teaching the younger generations how to play guitar so the music would go on after him, or being a part of the building, remodeling and maintenance of the church. He was always touched by his favorite Bible verse, John 11:35, Jesus wept; it was short but powerful!

When it came to his leisure time, David loved to go fishing, and the last trip he took was with his grandson, Rico. He also enjoyed watching westerns on TV, and cooking on the grill – either BBQ or Mexican food. David loved having friends and family around. He was a pretty reserved guy, especially with someone he didn’t know, but then he usually just spoke his mind and got right to the point. His niece affectionately said that Uncle David could be gruff, but he had a big heart. It was said though that as the years rolled on, he grew into an old softie. Although life will never be the same without him here, all who knew and loved David will be forever grateful for the song he put in their hearts.

David Anaya, age 61, of Orangeville, MI was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 26, 2014, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Fountain of Truth Apostolic Tabernacle; 6116 Marsh Rd. in Orangeville.

David’s family includes his wife of 37 years, Linda; his daughters: Esther and Demetria; his brother, Danny; grandchild, Rico; as well as several nieces and nephews. David was also a guardian of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth. Please visit David’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Orangeville Fountain of Truth Church-Music Dept. 6116 Marsh Road; Shelbyville, MI 49344.