David Babineaux

It was on the night of May 22, 2023, that David Andrus Babineaux became absent from his earthly body to be present in spirit with the Lord. David was a friendly, helpful person, and will be dearly missed. His remembrance will live on through the many lives he touched while here on this earth. At times he was a jokester and would love to prank his family. Especially by hiding in odd places to surprise his grandkids. Those memories will forever be with us all, bring a smile to our faces, and laughter to our hearts. All of the lives that David has touched will miss him dearly, but we are happy that he is resting and pain-free. We will always love and miss him until we can meet again.

The celebration of life for David will be held on June 9, 2023 at 11am-12pm at Stones Church (formerly Christian Life Center) located at 1225 W. Patterson Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A luncheon celebration of David's life will be held immediately following at Mount Zion Baptist Church located at 120 Roberson St., Kalamazoo MI 49007. This event is open to all family and friends to come and enjoy fellowship and sharing memories of David's life.

If you're unable to attend, live viewing will be available via Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/stoneschurchclc/

or via YouTube:

https://m.YouTube.com/c/stoneschurch

David was 65 years old and born in Jennings, Louisiana on February 13, 1958. He lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana and graduated in 1976 from Washington High School. After graduating he went on to work at the Laborer's Local 207. David later moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan and worked at Pfizer (formerly the Upjohn Company), Michigan Laborer's Local and Consumer's Energy. He retired from Pfizer in 2014 and began to participate with other men from Stones Church, mentoring young boys in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. David enjoyed being with these active fifth graders. He often would give them books about famous individuals for the boys to read and to inspire them that they too, can overcome obstacles in their lives.

Throughout the years, David was involved with the nursery, children, van, and Angel Food ministries at Stones Church. Whenever physical help was needed he'd always volunteer to help wherever he could assist. He enjoyed seeing the church grow in membership because this gave him the opportunity to befriend new members. He'd enjoy a conversation with anyone at anytime. Often this was to the detriment of family waiting in the car while he was in the store to only get one item. For David, that one item also included having a conversation with a person or persons. Often when David would see someone having car trouble he'd stop to assist them. That could involve anything from a tire change, to getting them gasoline, or getting them to whatever destination they needed to be. If finances was needed, he'd provide that as well. He loved serving people, wether he knew them or not. He was a generous person and was an example to his children.

David liked telling stories, helping people, spending time biking and walking. He enjoyed spending time with his family being it going to the park, watching a movie, or bowling, which he was quite good at. The kids on one occasion had him out bowling on the night where the atmosphere was disco-like with strobing and flashing lights. That was the only time they were able to win against him. He never went on those nights again. The atmosphere had him unfocused and off of his game.

David was an avid dominoes player. He would teach it to his children and grandkids to help with their math skills and improve their concentration. The other residents at the Bronson Commons Nursing Home, where David was a patient in the last two years of his life, spoke of how David always won at dominoes and bingo.

David enjoyed entertaining at his home. He would often invite friends and family over for Sunday dinners. Often informing his wife a few hours or even just minutes before guests arrived. He knew that she would always have more than enough food for all those invited and would also be just as happy he was to have guests. These dinners brought about fun, interesting conversations, lots of joy, and laughter over a delicious meal shared with family and friends. David didn't cook, but he loved watching cooking shows and trying out new restaurants locally and wherever he traveled. He wasn't afraid of trying new and exotic foods. One of his favorites was fried or grilled alligator, which he would have the meat shipped to him from Cajun Grocer. This was his favorite online store for all foods Cajun and Creole.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Deola (Joseph) Babineaux, and his sister, Francis Sybil (Babineaux) Mason. He is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine (Richard) Babineaux. He said his greatest joy was being a dad to his children; son, Hayward Babineaux of Kalamazoo, MI and his wife Kimberly (Fields) Babineaux, their children, Kimyah Babineaux and Kamille Babineaux; daughter, Adrienne (Babineaux) Theodile of Martinez, GA and her husband, Benaiah Theodile, their children, Callie Edwards, Calise Edwards, Isaiah Theodile, and Judah Theodile; son, Matthew Babineaux of Charlotte, NC and his wife, Rachel (Adas) Babineaux, their daughter, Jasmine Calloway; son, Michael Babineaux of Dallas, TX; his beloved Aunt Ruby Babineaux of Houston, TX; in addition a multitude of beloved sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, mentees, and dear friends.