David Carr

To know David Carr was to feel abundantly loved and cared for. Always open to listening to someone else's story, quick with smiles, and looking for ways to serve others, Dave seemed to know everyone. It was rare to go anywhere in Kalamazoo County with him and not have a bit of delay as he took the time to catch up with someone he ran into. David Bruce Carr was born September 9, 1948, in Lawrence, Michigan to Naomi (Wright) and Robert Carr. His older sister Linda and younger brother Joe filled out the party of five. The family lived in Gobles and Kalamazoo. The Carr's were active members of Oakwood United Methodist Church, where Dave sang in the choir, participated in the youth group, and the Men's Club. As a Boy Scout in troop 216, David achieved the rank of Life Scout in addition to earning God and Country and Order of the Arrow awards. In 1966, Dave graduated from Loy Norrix High School. After graduating from high school, Dave worked at Beattie's Drug Store and then Borgess Hospital. He worked at Borgess for 46 years, retiring in 2016. It was at Borgess that he met the love of his life, Vicki Kay Timm. David and Vicki married on June 13, 1971, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Centreville, Michigan. During their marriage, they welcomed three children, Michael, Matthew, and Melissa, whom they raised in Portage, Michigan. When the kids were young, David actively participated in whatever they were interested in, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, softball and baseball among the early interests. In 1977, David earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with young kids at home. As the kids grew, Dave's booming voice cheered them on from the stands of football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball games. He loved spending time with and cheering on his kids. He enjoyed many camping trips, the Carr Family Reunion, and Florida vacations as the kids grew up. The family was active at Oakwood United Methodist Church when the kids were young. In 2003, David and Vicki joined Parchment United Methodist Church. Dave served on many committees. Dave's servant heart thrived when he could perform acts of service, especially if he could make someone else smile in the process. Serving and giving to others was at the heart of his life. To know David was to know how truly precious his time with Vicki was. They took special anniversary trips every five years. For their 50th they enjoyed a land tour and cruise to Alaska. His hobbies included gardening, cooking and grilling, and reading together. One of 61 first cousins, David counted many of them among his dearest friends. Hanging out in the deer blind with his cousin, Dave enjoyed hunting – or "listening to nature" as he liked to call it. Of course, he came home to the ribbing of his children when hunting was more "listening to nature". He served on the Kalamazoo County Fair Board for several years with another cousin. And he enjoyed his monthly cousin meet-ups for a good meal and catching up. David's great joy in his later years came in time with his three grandchildren. Jacob, Rachel, and Robert could always count on Grandpa to be the loudest clapping and yelling at award ceremonies, graduation, football and lacrosse games, and dance recitals. He enjoyed teaching them skills, especially in the kitchen, and just learning about their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. David is survived by his wife Vicki, his sister Linda (Barrie) Corrie and his brother Joseph (Sue) Carr, children Michael and Diana (Wesley) Carr, Matthew and Liz (Burton) Carr, and Melissa Carr, grandchildren Jacob Bishop and Rachel and Robert Carr, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Naomi (Wright) and Robert Carr, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mildred (Walters) and Walter Timm, many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his granddaughter Katherine Carr. Visitation will take place Tuesday, May 27,2025 from 5-8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A memorial service will be held at Parchment United Methodist Church, 225 Glendale Blvd, Parchment, MI 49004, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11am preceded by a visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parchment UMC or the American Heart Association.