David Tillitson

David Tillitson, 78 of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully at Meilland Square on Sunday, January 26, 2025. He was born in Lansing on June 17, 1946, to WJ and Olive (Sowles) Tillitson.

David grew up in the Grand Ledge area and graduated from Grand Ledge High School. Shortly after, he was drafted into the United State Marines Corps and served admirably as a Scout Sniper in the Rifleman’s division during the Vietnam War. David was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries by gunfire while rescuing another team of Marines from a jungle in Laos. He was also decorated with the Vietnam Combat Action Ribbon, President Unit Citation with 1 Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 1960 device, and a Rifle Marksman Badge.

Upon his return home, he was set up on a date by a friend with Cathy Jo Hoag. The two were wed on January 24, 1969, and were blessed with two daughters and over 45 years of enduring love. His family remembers him as a loyal husband and devoted father who worked hard to provide a wonderful life for his family.

Dave was a voracious reader which made him a great trivia partner, he and Cathy enjoyed playing trivia with friends at Damon’s. He and Cathy also loved their dogs Max and Moe dearly and they were beloved members of the family.

Dave was a fan of Michigan State Spartans and the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He enjoyed going to the stadiums to watch games as well as cheering for them from the comfort of his home. He enjoyed fishing in the Upper Peninsula and camping with his family in Ludington.

Above all, Dave cherished his family and always boasted about how proud he was of them. He excitedly shared their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. He enjoyed trips with his daughters and grandchildren to Essenhaus and the Barn Theatre.

Dave is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws Leslie and Frank Fleck and Heather and Steve Waller; grandchildren Matthew, Rachel, and Ethan Fleck and Chloe and Aaron Waller; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Cathy, and sister Karen Truitt.

Dave and Cathy will be laid into eternal rest together at Fort Custer National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.

Dave’s family would like to give a special thank you to the caring staff at Meilland Square for their dedicated work in caring for their father and grandfather, he was always grateful for the excellent care he received from kind members of the team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of David may be directed to Heritage Community or K9s for Warriors: Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD.

Please visit David’s memorial webpage to share memories and condolences with his family at https://www.Langelands.com