David Allen Corning

David Allen Corning of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on January 12, 2024, at the age of 86. David was born in Kalamazoo on May 23, 1937, to the late Stephen and Mina (Livingston) Corning. In 1959, David married Diana Lambert. The two were married for 64 years.

David graduated from Western State High School in 1955 in Kalamazoo, MI. David (Grandpa) lived in Oshtemo Township all his life. He served in the US Navy, stationed in the Philippines, and was honorably discharged. He came home, met his wife, Diana Corning, and was married on July 3rd, 1959. They started their journey by building a home on the farm that he and his father built, Corning Farms, located in Oshtemo Township. People may remember coming to the farm to get fresh fruit, eggs, etc.

David went through apprenticeship school and became a journeyman carpenter. He worked for Miller Davis Co. and Vanderveen Construction. He also served on the City of Kalamazoo Fire Department for some years. Throughout the years, Dave also dabbled in Real Estate and worked at Statler’s Redi Mix Concrete Co. Although he worked many other jobs, the farm was always his passion. David and Diana created a loving home and were blessed with their first child, Cathy, in 1960, and later blessed with their second child, a son, Steve, in 1962. David was a very strong, hard-working man and expressed these values in his children and the people that surrounded him.

David looked forward to watching his grandkids and great-grandkids play sports. He thoroughly loved spending time with them and watching them grow up. Having been blessed with 8 grandchildren (four grandsons and four granddaughters) and 18 great-grandchildren, you can see how many football, baseball, and soccer games, cheerleading, school plays, dance recitals, etc. can keep you busy, and David and Diana would try and make as many as they could. Faith and family were very important to David. He attended Calvary Reformed Church for some years, then became a member of Texas Corners Bible Church until his passing. He enjoyed Bible study and sharing his faith with others.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Mina Corning; his loving wife of 64 years, Diana Corning; his in-laws, Patrilla Martz, John Lambert, Gail Harrison, Eldon Wallace; and niece, Paula (Lambert) Harris.

Surviving are his two children, Catherine (Greg) Pendowski and Stephen (Marca) Corning; 8 grandchildren, Joshua (Cassandra) Corning, Cara (Jeremiah) Hopkins, Lauren (Andy) Werkema, Katelyn Pendowski, Travis (Kristen Cooley) Corning, Emily (Shane) Huisken, Mitchell Pendowski, Jared (Josie) Pendowski; 18 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Sandra Wallace, Paul (Elaine) Lambert, Pete Lambert, Ron Harrison, Patsy Lambert; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9^th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m., and a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s honor to Texas Corners Bible Church, 7780 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009, or American Heart Association. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com.