David J. DeGain

To understand David DeGain (Dave), you must first understand this: his family was his heart and soul. His greatest treasures were never material possessions or professional accomplishments, but his wife, Toni DeGain; his children, Mike and Amanda; and eventually his grandchildren, Grahm and Louisa. They were his world and his greatest source of pride.

Dave was a provider, a protector, and, most importantly, a father who understood that being there mattered most. He made it clear to every employer throughout his career that missing his children's school events was simply not an option. Armed with his ever-present video camera, he captured it all, preserving moments that would become treasured family memories for years to come.

Dave was also the quintessential storyteller. If you happened to walk by him, be prepared to get pulled into a story that could easily turn into an hour-long adventure. His stories were never short on details, surprises, or the ability to leave you amazed. Whether sharing a memory, recounting an experience, or simply holding court, Dave had a way of capturing an audience and making sure you remembered the story long after it ended.

Following his military service, Dave pursued and earned a degree in electronic technology from Texas A&M, sparking a lifelong passion for tinkering and exploring electronics. He loved volunteering his technical expertise to help the schools and anyone who needed a hand. Their home was the place to be if you wanted the latest music burned onto a CD. His passion also helped inspire Mike and Amanda, who both eventually pursued careers in technology.

Growing up in Madison Heights, Michigan, Dave was a standout athlete, excelling in both football and wrestling. An Oakland County wrestling champion, he developed his skills alongside his first wrestling partner, his older brother Mike, and later his younger brothers, Steve and Ken. After graduating high school in 1977, Dave carried his discipline and determination into the United States Army, proudly serving his country. A patriot through and through, he likely would have made a lifelong career of military service had he not suffered an injury while deployed.

While stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Dave met the love of his life, Toni, thanks to the efforts of his best friend, Fizzer Doran, and his mother. Their love was instant, and after knowing each other for only four months, they married in 1981. After 45 years of marriage, Toni and Dave are now together again in heaven.

Dave will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. We find comfort knowing he is no longer in pain and has been reunited with his wife, Toni; his parents, Richard and Sylvia Ann DeGain; his stepdaughter, Monica; and his parents-in-law, Stella and Turner Johnson, along with many other relatives and friends.

He leaves behind his son, Michael DeGain (Katie); his daughter, Amanda DeGain (David, Joshua, and Noah); his brothers, Mike DeGain (Donna), Ken DeGain, Steve DeGain, Mark DeGain, and Ryan DeGain; Gail Price (Patrick); his stepmother, Kathy DeGain; and many nieces and nephews, about whom he bragged constantly. And to Grahm and Louisa DeGain, know that your grandfather absolutely adored you and will be with you forever.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday the 20th at 10am at the Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery with Army honors. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made towards Tunnels to Towers. Please consider leaving a memory or condolence on David’s U.S Department of Veteran Affairs Memorial Page, or on David’s online guestbook below.