David C. Wren

David C. Wren, age 80, of Caledonia, formally of Hastings, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Metro Health: University of Michigan Hospital. David was born on July 28, 1941 in Barboursville, Kentucky to William and Carrie Wren. He graduated from South Lyon High School in 1960 before attending Wayne State University, graduating with a degree of Mortuary Science in 1966 with Honors and as class president. He married the love of his life, Kathryn Louise (Latta), on May 18, 1963. Together they moved to Hastings in 1966 and became associated with former Leonard-Osgood Funeral Home. David founded and owned the former Central Ambulance Company (1969-1974). They purchased the funeral home in 1978, subsequently changing the name to Wren Funeral Home. David is the former owner and director of Wren Funeral Home in Hastings and Vogt Chapel-Wren Funeral Home in Nashville. David was a former member of the Board of Directors National Bank of Hastings (1981), Hastings Rotary Club (1978), Hastings F & AM #52(1975), Hastings Elks Lodge #1965(1966) and Hastings Moose Lodge #628(1973), Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Hastings Economic Development Commission, and Michigan and National Funeral Directors Associations. Also, a former member and past president of the Hastings Lions Club and State Eye Bank Committee, and a part of the Pennock Hospital Board of Trustees (1993-2007). He was a founding board member of Barry County Hospice and Hastings Exchange Club. David was also a “Paul Harris Fellow” of Rotary International (1994). He was an instructor with Hastings Adult Education Department and was often asked to be a guest speaker/lecturer at churches, service clubs, educational institutions, and Health Care Facilities. After retirement in 2007, he developed “End of Life Coordinator” for the Pennock Health Services Department in 2008 – 2017. He continued to teach and serve the community with the loss of a loved one. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Wren in 2006; father, William Wren; mother, Carrie Goodman; Sister-in-law, Sandra Elaine Schamanek in 1998; loving canine companions Barney in 1980 and Sassy Kay in 2006. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Patty Wren of Caledonia; son Dave Wren and Julie Howerton of Winter Haven, Florida; brother, Jack and Carol Wren of The Villages, Florida; brother-in-law, Daniel and Linda Latta of Sunrise, Florida; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews. Private Family Graveside services will be held. Burial will be at Rutland Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of ones’ choice.