David Lukins

One of the things David Lukins was best known for was his vitality and zest for life as he took every moment and held it captive if only for a moment. He even had a favorite saying, “There are two certainties in life, everyone is born and everyone dies!” which perfectly captured his love for life. No matter the household project, David could fix it, and he was happiest at the cabin on the Muskegon River where he could satiate his love for fishing. He was such a special man with a kind and generous heart and a special place in his life for his entire family. David will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his attention to detail, and his overall spirit of goodwill.

Most of the 1920’s was a prosperous time in American history and the year 1927 was a year to remember. It was during this year that the motion picture industry was revolutionized with the first all-talking motion picture, the Holland Tunnel opened, which connected Manhattan with New Jersey, and Charles Lindbergh successfully flew across the Atlantic. This was a memorable year in the family of Arthur and Madge Lukins for a much different reason since they were thrilled to welcome the birth of their twin boys, David and Daniel, on May 15th. David arrived just minutes ahead of his brother and the boys’ birth was quite the event as the doctor was unable to arrive in time for David’s birth. He was actually stuck in the mud but when his car was pulled out by horses, he made it just in time for the birth of the second baby boy. David and Daniel were born in Michigan City, North Dakota, and joined older siblings Arthur, John, Dale, Violet, Peggy, and Ruth.

On what became known as “Black Tuesday,” our nation became gripped by the Great Depression on October 29, 1929, and throughout the following decade, countless families struggled to make ends meet. Life in the Lukins family was no different as David’s father worked as a farmer, which was one of the industries that were hit the hardest. Although times were tough, David and his siblings really had no idea that they were poor because everyone around them suffered the same fate. After a decade of drought and his family nearly starving, David’s father quit farming and moved his family to Bemidji, Minnesota, in pursuit of a job.

As a young man, David and his brother got permission from their parents to join the Navy since they were just 17. David’s three older brothers were in the Army and he desired to do his part. He valiantly served his country and made many lifelong friends. David’s time in the service also instilled within him an even greater love of country and during later years, David attended ship reunions, which only strengthened the bonds he shared with his fellow servicemen.

Once his patriotic duty was fulfilled, David returned home to Minnesota where his life soon took an exciting turn. While he was at the VFW Post in Bemidji, he met a young gal who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Darlene Erickson and after dating for one year, they were married at her parents’ home in Menahga, Minnesota. Not long after they were married, David’s brother John was visiting family back in Bemidji. He told David that the local paper mills were begging for help and without hesitating, he and Darlene packed up and headed for Kalamazoo. David worked in the mills first in wax production and then as a carpenter, eventually retiring from James River in Parchment after 42 years of dedicated service.

Throughout his life, David was known as a hard worker, but he was also a devoted family man. Together he and Darlene were blessed with four children: Connie, David, Jr., Karen, and Renee. David put his carpentry skills to good use by building the family two homes on Marsh Road in Plainwell. He was handy in nearly every way and was able to fix whatever was broken over the years. Family played an important role in David’s life as he was known to drive to Minnesota to attend a family function at the drop of a hat. He was active in the lives of his children and was always their biggest fan at their sporting events. Although he didn’t play sports while he was growing up, David never shied away from participating in an occasional pick-up game of basketball in the driveway with his daughter or grandchildren. As a father, David stressed the importance of education in the lives of his children because his greatest desire was for them to have more opportunities in life, which would allow them to perhaps not have to work as hard as he did.

Although both his work and his family kept him very busy, David enjoyed pursuing some other interests when he had leisure time. He liked hunting of all kinds and was also an avid gardener who often shared his yield with others. He was excellent skeet shooter and avid horseshoe player. David loved being home not only because of his garden, but also for the small farm he maintained with a couple of horses, cows, and chickens. He also raised and trained hunting dogs. David was an avid fisherman and loved spending time at the cabin on the Muskegon River where he was able to catch salmon and steelhead. When relaxing at home, David enjoyed watching sports on television including football, basketball, and baseball. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Plainwell and also of the VFW in Otsego.

David Lukins was a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many within his reach. He was always looking for opportunities to help others whether in ways great or small. David enjoyed an active lifestyle and only when his health demanded, did he ever slow down. He delighted in spending as much time as he could with those he treasured, leaving behind precious memories that will be forever cherished. David will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

David Lukins died on Tuesday March 23, 2010 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. David’s family includes his wife Darlene; 4 children, Connie (Ron) Kandell, David Jr. (Judy) Lukins, Karen Maxwell, and Renee (Dean) Callahan; 9 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. David was preceded in death by all of his brothers and sisters. Visit with his family and friends, view his life story film and share light refreshments on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). A funeral will be held on Monday, March 29th, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Plainwell. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation.