March 14, 1945 – December 20, 2024
Rev. David Robert McKinstry, age 79, of Adrian, MI, passed away at ProMedica Toledo Hospital Friday, December 20, 2024. He was born on March 14, 1945 in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of the late Robert Leon and Marguerite Maxine (Batway) McKinstry. On August 17, 1968 he was joined in marriage with the love of his life, Aloaha Faye Tussey in Ypsilanti, Mi, and they enjoyed over fifty-six years together before his passing.
Although David loved taking pictures and had aspirations of becoming a professional photographer, he found himself being called by God to His ministry. As a result, he graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity from the Methodist Theological School of Ohio and he entered the ministry field where he served for thirty-one years. During that span Pastor David served multiple congregations. He started his ministry at the Oregon-Elba United Methodist Church where he served eight(8) years. He then served the St. Clair Shores United Methodist Church for eleven(11) years, his final Church before retirement was the Tecumseh United Methodist Church, where he served another eleven(11) years. He was extremely proud and privileged to serve as Co-Dean of Computer Camp at the Lake Huron United Methodist Church Camp. One of David’s greatest loves was preaching God’s word and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. He currently was a member of the Adrian First United Methodist Church.
David loved people and never met a stranger. Outside of his church life, he found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and was the biggest supporter of everything they dreamed of.
In addition to his wife, Faye, David is survived by his daughter, Amy (Joe) Mazzarese of Romulus, MI and four grandchildren, Brooke “Kayloni” Bates of Barnsville, GA, Aidan Bates of Whitmore Lake, MI, Brandon “Xavier” Bates of Adrian, MI, Jacob Mazzarese of Canton, Mi, and a great grandson, Emmet Brinkley of Barnsville, GA.
David was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, and his sister, Doris Lilly.
At David’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Adrian First United Methodist Church in Adrian on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Visitation will be at 10am with the service beginning at 11 am. Immediately following there will be a luncheon to share memories and stories of David’s life with the family. Inurnment of cremains will be in Sheldon Cemetery, in Canton, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Adrian First United Methodist Church Organ Fund, the American Heart Association, or to the American Diabetes Foundation.
Arrangements are in the care of Handler Funeral Homes.
*McKinstry, David R (A. Faye) – [(RE) P 1979; F 1982; RE 2010] Oregon, Elba 1980; St. Clair Shores: First 1988; Tecumseh 1999; Retired 2010
Last Updated on December 26, 2024