David Vales, 86, of Benton Harbor, formerly of Bolivar, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving wife Shari.
Memorial donations in David’s name may be made to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
David was born October 12, 1931 in Bolivar to David & Catherine Vales. He served his country in the National Guard in Bolivar and was employed as a welder for many years at Benton Harbor Malleable before gaining employment at Cast-Matic in Stevensville, from where he retired in 1998. On May 8, 2010 he married the former Sharon “Shari” Dupree in Benton Harbor. David enjoyed working & tinkering around the house and in his garage-welding for family & friends, there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix. He played softball on the Malleable team as pitcher, while employed there. He was known for his knuckleball. David also was an avid bowler at Blossom Lanes where he rolled two 300 games in his career. David loved his family, his animals and many friends and they all loved him.
David is survived by his wife Shari; his son David (Michelle) Vales of Kalamazoo, his step-daughter Shawn Zinninger of Berrien Springs; five grandchildren including Rocky Gregory of Bolivar, TN; numerous nieces & nephews; and his canine companion Dinky & two fur baby kitties. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Tammy Marie Duncan in 2013, his grandson Jonathan, three brothers & four sisters.