David A. DeFrates

David Arthur DeFrates, 79, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. He was born March 3, 1939, in Indiana, the son of Arthur and Isabel (Kelly) DeFrates. Dave graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. On December 12, 1959, he married Margaret Ann Kline. As many of Dave’s friends can attest, he was a walking encyclopedia. He loved knowledge and enjoyed sharing it with others. Dave was a charter member and past vice president of the International Coleman Collectors Club. He was instrumental in organizing and hosting their annual convention, which took place in Charlotte in 2014. He also served as president and was an active member of the Mid-Michigan Model A Club and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Dave was also currently serving on the Maple Hill Cemetery Association Board and was a member of the Eaton County Buck Club. Dave retired from GM in Lansing after many years of faithful service. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, either snowmobiling, hunting, or fishing. 

Dave is survived by daughter, Cheri DeFrates; best friend and companion, Joy Mogg; siblings, Doug DeFrates of California and Pat Humphrey of Arizona. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret in 2011; brothers, Phillip DeFrates, and Mike DeFrates. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s honor to the Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 Vansickle Drive, Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Dave’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.