David C. Woods, 78, of Coldwater, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Interment will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
David was born August 23, 1947 in Coldwater, MI to Charles & Doris (Rathbun) Woods. He married Julie A. Luce on July 18, 1981 in Coldwater. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
David was a man of the earth and a man of honor, a rare combination that defined a truly amazing life.
As a veteran, he understood duty, sacrifice, and the importance of serving something larger than himself. That same steadfastness and integrity carried over into every facet of his life. He was a farmer, connected to the land, working with his hands, and embodying the resilience and patience required to nurture growth and harvest a life.
He was the type of man whose handshake was his bond and whose “yes” meant “yes.” In a world of changing currents, he was a bedrock of reliability, someone whose word was as strong and true as the work he put into his fields.
Above all, he was an amazing husband and father. He provided for his family not just with the fruits of his labor, but with the strength of his character and the depth of his love. His legacy is etched in the values he instilled, the life he built, and the profound, lasting impact he had on all who were blessed to know him.
David was a member of the Coldwater Eagles, Elks and Moose Lodge. He loved riding horses, serving on the Branch County Sheriff Posse for 9 years. David felt most at home outdoors whether it was camping, shooting guns, caring for his cows or spending countless hours on his tractors. Tinkering came naturally to him. If something needed fixing, he was happiest figuring it out himself. He believed in staying busy and living simply.
David is survived by his wife Julie; his children Mark (Kellie) Woods of Grass Lake, MI, Melissa (Lonnie) Rippy of Lawrenceburg, KY, Kari (Chad) Robinson of Coldwater, MI, Kaci (Burton) Stewart of Coldwater, MI; his sisters Willa Dean Buys of Conroe, TX, Janet (Ed) Fillmore of Coldwater, MI; his grandchildren Cody (Linzy Burkholder) Woods, Taylor (Eli) Weeks, Sarah Rippy, Wyatt Robinson, Kassidy Stewart, Josie Stewart and his great grandchildren Mabel and Brinley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Woods. www.dutcherfh.com.
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