David Lee Waldron (Ret.) finished his life on April 30, 2012 David was born June 11, 1930 at Burt Lake, MI, the son of Charles W. and Dora I. (McMichael) Waldron.
The eighth of ten children, he grew up on the family farm in Burt Lake where he developed his love of family and farming. The farm, as many know, was a place of history, imagination and always a full kitchen table. After graduating from Petoskey High School he was appointed to the US Naval Academy by Congressman Charles E. Potter, Cheboygan, after achieving a perfect score on the entrance examination. There he excelled academically, played football and earned the nickname Big Red. He received his commission and B.S degree in 1953. In a break with the family tradition of seagoing men, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force to pursue his dream of flying. He went on to earn a bachelors degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas-Austin in 1958 and a Masters degree in civil engineering in 1961 from Purdue University. During his Air Force career, in addition to stateside assignments, he was stationed in Germany twice and served a year in Viet Nam, retiring in 1979, at the rank of Colonel. After his first retirement, he then bought and ran The Butterfield House, a historic landmark in the village of Holland Patent, NY. Deciding that his first love was construction and engineering, he relocated to Alaska and began his next phase of life. While in Alaska, he worked for the Kodiak Island Borough, State of Alaska in Juneau and then ran a home restoration business in Anchorage. In 2000, he returned to live full time at Burt Lake where he enjoyed farming and spending time with family and friends.
David had a generous and outgoing spirit, always willing to help those in need and freely gave advice on how to do things the Air Force Way. During his life he believed that kids should have projects whether it be making large batches of cinnamon rolls, stomping grapes, pressing apple cider or painting a building-the list is long. Most times these projects would involve his children, cousins and any young person that was around. David was a talented poet and often crafted verse to help others get through difficult times in life. He also loved to work with wood, making and giving gifts of finely made furniture to family and friends. Davids love of farming and tractors led to his final career- growing sunflowers, vegetables, and nurturing the fields. He loved the hills and spent many happy hours on his tractor riding the trails, collecting walnuts and ensuring stewardship of his land. He enjoyed supporting the Burt Lake Christian Church, community activities and the Inland Lakes Public Schools.
He is survived by his children, Victoria Lee Waldron of Fredericksburg, VA, Kathryn Ann (Mark) Zadai of Fredericksburg, VA, Elizabeth Waldron Kelley of Chitina, AK, Bradley David (Sarah-Laisne) Waldron of Juneau, AK; grandchildren, Corey Robert Kelley, Taylor Leigh Zadai, Andrew Lucas Waldron and Kieran Patrick Waldron; siblings, Helen Tull of IL, Jack (Nancy) Waldron of Burt Lake and Fran Campbell of Punta Gorda, FL; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Alan Waldron and siblings, Betty McDonald, James, Irvin, Charles, William Waldron and Shirley Billings. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, Burt Lake Christian Church, or the Inland Lakes Education Foundation Waldron Scholarship Fund. Services will be at Burt Lake Christian Church on Sunday June 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm with internment at Ohioville Cemetery following. Friends and family are invited to the VFW Hall at 4584 S. Straits Hwy. in Indian River immediately following the internment to help us celebrate his life. Lintz Funeral Home in Indian River served the Waldron family.