David Stanford Procter

David Stanford Procter, 64, of Dowagiac, passed away early Saturday morning, March 7, 2015 in the peacefulness of his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11th, 2015 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center Street in Dowagiac.  Military rites will be performed by the United States Marine’s Honor Guard and the Dowagiac VFW Post #1855 Honor Guard. Friends may visit from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, March 10th at Clark Chapel. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cass County Humane Society.  Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of David online may do so at www.clarkch.com. David was born January 25, 1951 in Dowagiac to Fredric and Marian (Yaw) Procter. He was a lifelong resident of Dowagiac and grew up at Indian Lake.  He attended Dowagiac Union High School and graduated in 1969.  In November of 1969 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he left shortly after for active duty in Vietnam. He fought along with his fellow soldiers and was the recipient of the National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal w/1*, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon. Upon returning home from military duty, David began working at Ameriwood Industries in Dowagiac where he spent the next 30 years as a machine operator. He was a lifetime member of the Dowagiac VFW Post #1855.  Many a day or weekend you could find David on the golf course enjoying a round of golf as he loved the game so much. David enjoyed gardening and landscaping in his spare time and he and his wife won the Dowagiac Lawn & Garden Club 1st Place Award in 1999 for their outstanding landscaping of their home. He was a very caring and loving man with a contagious smile and loved tinkering around his home. David especially loved Memorial Day and always took part decorating his home and honoring his fellow veterans with a Memorial Day party. David is survived by his wife, Linda (Marquis) Procter, by one son, Joshua W. Procter of Dowagiac, by his sister Marilee (Robert) Reed of Dowagiac, a nephew Mark (Kristine) Reed of Niles and two nieces, Robin Reed of Caledonia, MI and Annemarie (Mark) Tews of Buchanan. He also leaves behind five step-children; Blue Walker of Dowagiac, Toby Walker of Phoenix, AZ, Jenni (Charles White) Chapman of Dowagiac, Steven Walker of Dowagiac and Joanie Jess of Osceola, IN.  Also surviving are 5 step-grandchildren, Devin and Destiny Chapman, Erik and Kody Walker and Gavin Jess. He was preceded in death by his parents.