David “Dave” Hamlin Clevenger
March 23 1942 – July 4, 2026
David Hamlin Clevenger, a longtime resident of Riverdale, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born in Alma on March 23, 1942 to the late Clifford “Mel” and Grace (Hamlin) Clevenger. He attended Alma High School with the class of 1960. It was there he met and married his high school sweetheart on June 23, 1962. This was the beginning of a loving marriage of 64 years. They resided in Riverdale where they built their home and raised four daughters together, creating countless cherished memories.
Dave was talented and creative, enjoyed woodworking and mastering wood carving which was a passion for him, he took pride in creating things that would be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come. . Dave also enjoyed hunting and fishing in his early years. He served on the board at Lumberjack Park & Riverman’s Association for many years as well as a Lifetime member of the Elks Club.
Dave dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors in Lansing before retiring 1994. Together they explored much of the United States. In 2006 they discovered Dauphin Island, Alabama, a place they lovingly considered paradise. They spent 20 winters there forming lasting friendships with fellow snowbirds and island residents alike. In the warmer months they traveled to Harrison, Michigan where they continued making many cherished memories and friendships.
Together they treasured camping with the White Pines Gospel and Bluegrass group of Evart, Marion, and St. Louis. The friendships they developed through those gatherings remained a meaningful part of their lives. Each year they looked forward to spending time with their daughters and son-in-laws and at the family cabin in the upper peninsula where many final memories were made as a family and cherished forever.
Dave was a dedicated, loving, good husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. There was nothing he enjoyed more than his family.
Dave is survived by his wife of 64 years Charlene (Allen); Four daughters, Rae (Jack) Spaans, Christine Clevenger, Danette (Scott) Smith, Lucinda (Peter) Ruttan; one brother, Dan Clevenger; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford “Mel” and Grace Clevenger; his sister, Amy Jo Clevenger; his brothers Ronald Clevenger and Gary Clevenger; and his great-grandson, Cohen D. Snyder.
Funeral services will take place at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Shepherd United Methodist Church, with Rev. Carey Barker officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the Funeral Service on Friday. Friends may also visit with the family on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd, 106 W. Wright Ave. David will be laid to rest in Sibley Cemetery, Riverdale.
The funeral service will also be live streamed on YouTube at the “Shepherd United Methodist Church@SUMCmi.”
Memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
