David Edward Breaugh, Sr.

David Edward Breaugh, Sr., age 84, of Burton, died July 25, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. Dave was born in Flint on April 20, 1940, the son of Harold Joseph and Arlah Gertrude (Onweller) Breaugh.

Dave graduated from Flint Central in 1958, and proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1962-1966. He served in the Vietnam War, and was able to see much of Japan, while stationed in Atsugi in the Career Services unit. He was a lifelong student, earning an Associate Degree in Police Administration from Mott Community College in 1976, his Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management from Spring Arbor in 1987, and another Associate Degree in Vehicle Design in 1995, from Macomb Community College. He retired from GM with over 35 years of service, working at a variety of locations over the years, including Buick City, AC Spark Plug, and the Warren Tech Center. He fondly recalled his time working with the team on anti-lock brakes in the 1980s.

Dave was also quite the athlete, spending many hours at the gym. Arguably, his jaw muscles had the biggest workout, as he never knew a stranger, and could talk the bark off a tree! He ran over 20 marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon a few times. He loved the sport of hockey, and played until he was nearly 70. He coached hockey for Grand Blanc, Southwestern Academy and Swartz Creek, and also coached AYSO soccer. In recent years, he loved attending alumni hockey games, and seeing many of his former players. He discovered pickleball in his 70s, and enjoyed competing on the court.

He loved dancing with Kay, and they traveled the country going to dances. He was a proud American patriot, a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and loved fishing, hunting, music and taking care of his immaculate lawn. He loved being “Papa” to his grandchildren, and frequently put them in the “bear trap.” Whether wintering in Florida with Kay, or talking to strangers on the street, Dave was the life of the party wherever he went. He will be sorely missed by his family and numerous friends.

He is survived by his children; David, Jr. (Meagan), Aaron (Erin), and Chad (Erica); eight grandchildren, David III, Anna, Max, Katelyn, Sydney, Marissa, Markus and Suzanna; his loving companion for over 20 years, Kay Bigelow; and Kay’s son, Brad Bigelow.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. Friends are invited and encouraged to share stories of Dave beginning at 7pm on Thursday. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM Friday at the church. Funeral mass at 11am, Friday, August 2, 2024, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N Adelaide St, Fenton. Burial following at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.

The family wishes to thank McLaren Hospice, especially “Princess” Juli, for the extraordinary care provided during Dave’s final week. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to McLaren Hospice, or your favorite military organization. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com