David Lawrence Granger

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of David Lawrence Granger, who died peacefully of natural causes at Independence Village in Traverse City on July 8, 2025, at 10:53 p.m. Born July 28, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, David was the third of four children of Francis Lawrence Granger and Phyllis (Zdan). He grew up alongside siblings, Phyllis Allison, and Raymond. His oldest brother Francis Jr. passed at the age of 14 months. On February 11, 1978, David married his beloved wife, Beverly Anne Clement, at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church in St. Clair Shores, MI. David enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1966, embarking on a distinguished 36-year career that spanned from the decks of USS Ranger to the O‑ring of military leadership. As a Naval Aviator with Fighter Squadron Twenty-One (“Freelancers”), he flew F‑4 Phantom II jets during the Vietnam War aboard USS Ranger (CVA‑61). Over the years, David ascended through the ranks, retiring with pride as a Commander in July 2002. David later devoted his life to healing others. He started as an orderly at Detroit’s Saratoga General Hospital and, following his and Beverly’s move to Traverse City in 1979, joined the Traverse Anesthesia Association. For 37 years, he worked in the operating rooms at Munson Hospital, quietly providing calm and reassurance to countless patients until his retirement in 2016. An avid outdoorsman and lifelong hunter, David traversed country trails and national parks, always scouting new gear and dreaming of the next adventure. His children recall family trips where David’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the outdoors became some of their favorite memories. For years, he hosted an annual deer camp at the family farm, welcoming friends and family for camaraderie, stories, and the quiet joy of tradition. David is survived by his wife, Beverly Anne (Clement); sons Adam David (Jenna) Granger and David Griffin Holland; daughter Katherine Anne (Joseph) Bearss; and grandchildren Mila, Bode, Parker, Simon, Oren, Dannielle, and Gabriel. He was predeceased by both parents and all of his siblings. A celebration of David’s life will be held at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City on Friday, July 18, at 3 p.m. David will be cremated and returned to the place he loved most at the family farm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Grand Traverse Conservation District, www.natureiscalling.org/donate

David Lawrence Granger

July 28, 1942 - July 9, 2025